BRIGHTON  – School District 27J will combine the appeal and flexibility of online learning with the guidance and support structure of a classroom for district high school students with the opening of a new, blended learning school this fall.    
     B.O.L.T. (Brighton Online Learning for Tomorrow) Academy, a tuition free public school for grades ninth through 11^thgrade, will offer a technology rich, blended school model where students will attend part-time on campus and part-time online. B.O.L.T. Academy will be located inside the Brighton Learning and Resource Campus, 1850 E. Egbert St., Brighton. (What is B.O.L.T. Academy?)
     B.O.L.T. Academy will offer self-motivated, independent and organized high school students a customized and diverse learning experience where students can set the pace for their own learning. Students will study core academic subjects, develop 21st Century learning skills, engage in project-based learning within the confines of a smaller collaborative learning environment. Students will be supported by on-campus learning coaches and highly-qualified virtual content teachers."
    “We understand that the concept of online learning is a tremendously popular choice for students and their parents,” said School District 27J Superintendent Dr. Chris Fiedler. “We’re happy that B.O.L.T. Academy will provide that flexible, technology-rich learning environment for students but also provide personalized learning assistance from our highly-qualified staff.”
    The application process for B.O.L.T. Academy is now open for students. Enrollment will be limited. The application, as well as additional information about the school and enrollment requirements, can be found on the B.O.L.T Academy web page.   

     BRIGHTON  – Southeast Elementary School is reaping the benefits of the generosity of a pair of local business owners with strong ties to the school.

Dr. Joseph Smith and Dr. Debra Campbell, owners of Brighton’s Premier Pediatrics, presented a $5,000 check to the school Friday. The money will go toward technology improvements in the school. Smith is the parent of a third grade Southeast student and also has a middle school student who attended Southeast. Campbell is the parent of a future Southeast student.

“I’ve been here 13 years and watched many district mill levy overrides fail at the ballot, which is frustrating when you have kids in school,” Smith said. “At Southeast, we have awesome teachers and they’re using technology that was used when I was in school.”

  Southeast Elementary Principal Sarah James said Smith and Campbell’s contribution will help bring critical new technology to students.

“This donation allows us to move into the next phase of bringing technology into our building,” she said. “It will allow us to begin purchasing document cameras or iPads for teachers to use in the classrooms which opens up a whole new world.”

Smith said, while he has previously made financial contributions to the school, that he hopes the publicity of this donation will spur other parents and business members to action.

      “Look at our kids. What do they need?” he asked. “If they need something in education and, if you’re able, step forward and do something. If it’s large or small, whatever, I know there are businesses out there that really can do this.”