Mansfield, OH (August 27, 2021) – On August 25th, GOAL Digital Academy started the 2021/2022 school year. For this 20th year of operation, many things have been added to enhance students’ learning, including the hiring of 12 new staff members and the use of Final Forms for orientation.
As we welcomed students back to school, their health and the health of our staff has been of the utmost importance, so we have continued to monitor closely guidelines from state and local government. At this time, masks are recommended but not required.
This year, we are thrilled that twelve new faces will be greeting students throughout our learning labs.
Megan Moore: Grade 6-8 Social Studies Teacher, Marion Lab
Eric Uhde: Educational Advocate, Galion Lab
Richard Guins: 6th Grade ELA, 6-8 Teacher, Galion Lab
Michael Thompson: Technology, Mansfield Lab
Stephanie Andrews: Intern, Delaware Lab
Lance Hood: Educational Advocate, Mansfield Lab
Matthew Alexander: Spanish Teacher/Math Tutor, Mount Vernon Lab
Lyndsay Witmer: K-2 Teacher, Mansfield Lab
Chelsea Lee: Transition Coordinator, Mansfield Lab
Dakota Parrish: K-12 Music Teacher, Traveling
Sean Flannery: Technology, Mansfield Lab
Beth Pemberton: Special Education Aide/Tutor, Mended Reeds
Just as the new staff will be helping students throughout the year, GOAL students started the year off right as the implementation of Final Forms streamlined the orientation process. Heather Allen, Guidance Counselor, said, “Final Forms simplified everything, which has allowed our Educational Advocates to mentor our new and returning families. It's not only about the Nuts and Bolts of signing up for school, but allows them focused, interactive one-on-one time with the kids, giving us a new fresh start to the school year."
GOAL Superintendent Tish Jenkins welcomed students back for the new school year with some special encouragement.
As we step into a new school year, I think of renewed hope, joys of learning, new opportunities of exploration, reflection, growth and above all a spirit of resilience and gratitude. I welcome you to the new academic year that has come with a new hope. Hope that after the dark clouds of COVID 19, a silver lining of getting back to normal life from the new normal will appear soon. New normal is what we have adapted to in pandemic times.