Wisconsin Virtual Academy Caps 2011-2012 School Year With Trio Of Face-To-Face Events

MCFARLAND, Wis., June 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Wisconsin Virtual Academy (WIVA), a tuition-free online public school that offers individualized learning for Wisconsin students in grades K-12, concluded its 2011-2012 school year with a series of engaging face-to-face events often thought to be reserved for brick-and-mortar schools. Instead of a virtual-based end to the school year, students, parents and staff gathered for an end-of-year celebration, first-ever prom and traditional graduation ceremony. 

The three events are great examples of the socialization opportunities that are offered at Wisconsin Virtual Academy throughout the school year. Additional details about each of the school's year-end events include:

• WIVA Jamboree: The school-wide, two-day event was held on June 8-9 at Spencer Lake Camp in Waupaca. Activities included mini golf, hay rides, a talent show and an ice cream social. An academic recognition ceremony also took place in which WIVA students were given awards for various achievements, including National History Day and Honor Roll.  
• WIVA Prom: The school's first-ever prom was held on the evening of June 9 in Waupaca, WI. Forty upperclassmen attended the dance, which had a Glow-In-The-Dark Masquerade theme. Just like at a traditional school, the student body voted on a WIVA Prom King, Queen, Prince and Princess.  
• WIVA Graduation: To celebrate its graduating class of 2012, WIVA held its graduation ceremony on June 14 at the Boerner Botanical Gardens in Hales Corners. Craig Howery, Vice President of the McFarland School Board, was on hand to give a speech and congratulate WIVA's 32 graduates, several of whom will attend colleges, universities and technical schools across the country this fall – including University of Wisconsin Madison and Arizona State. In addition, WIVA also inducted nine of its students into the National Honor Society prior to the graduation ceremony.

"Bringing our families together to have fun and celebrate their accomplishments was a perfect end to what was a very successful 2011-2012 school year," said Dr. Leslye Moraski Erickson, Head of School, Wisconsin Virtual Academy. "The whole week was full of great activities that we're proud to be able to offer our students, but of course the highlight had to be graduation – the WIVA class of 2012 is a very talented bunch and we can't wait to see what they do next."

Additional examples of socialization opportunities provided for students and families at Wisconsin Virtual Academy include pizza parties, picnics, bowling, clubs and outings to venues such as water parks and museums. For a complete list of upcoming events please visit www.k12.com/WIVA

Online learning has proven to be the right choice for a variety of students, including advanced learners, struggling students, athletes, performers, those seeking relief from bullying and students looking to get more out of their education. Prospective students interested in attending WIVA for the 2013-2014 school year are required to complete the State Open Enrollment Application during the Wisconsin Open Enrollment Period: February – April, 2013.

About Wisconsin Virtual Academy

Wisconsin Virtual Academy is a full-time, tuition-free online public charter school authorized by the McFarland School District. WIVA uses the curriculum and academic services provided by K12 Inc. (NYSE: LRN), the nation's leading provider of proprietary curriculum and online education programs for students in kindergarten through high school. Wisconsin Virtual Academy's individualized approach provides students with the tools they need to succeed – in school and beyond.

SOURCE Wisconsin Virtual Academy