Epic families spent the day taking school pictures, experiencing a virtual science lab and meeting a circus clown.
These were just a few of the opportunities students and parents had at the Epic Family Engagement Spring Expo.
These Expos are held several times a year and are designed to get families and students connected to resources available within Epic.
“At the end of the day, we wouldn’t have a school without family,” said Sharla Conaway, Family Engagement community outreach specialist.
During the spring Expo, parents were able to get more information about state testing and test preparation. Learning fund how-tos and school-wide updates were a few of the sessions available at the Spring expo. Students could attend a scholastic book fair and participate in a science fair. There was also information about field trips.
Even though Epic is mostly online, Family Engagement also offers field trips to students. They go to museums, indoor, and outdoor locations. For most field trips there are guided tours provided. There are field trips that cost money and there are field trips that are free.
“The field trips are important because we know that students are working at home on their computer, and we like students to be able to get out and about,” said Brianna Davison, Family Engagement community specialist.
During the Expo, while parents took classes to learn more about Epic programs, students participated in some fun classes. One of those was the virtual reality lab, Z-Space, a science program that can be used in 3D. This allows students to view the world of science in a more interactive way.
Other fun programs for students included a real-life circus clown who taught about the history of the circus, and a cultural exploration class to learn about the food, music and culture of Mexico and El Salvador.
Reagan Melott, an Epic Pre-K student, attended the Expo with her family and had her school picture made. “It’s nice to see the progression on how she grows up,” said Taylor Melott, Reagan’s dad.
The next Family Engagement Expo was virtual in May to help families learn about curriculum and class offerings.
In-person Expos will be held this summer to prepare for back-to-school. Information is posted on the Epic Charter Schools website.
Above: pre-K student Reagan Melott marks the end of her first year at Epic with a school portrait at the Expo.
These were just a few of the activities going on at the family event (Chloe Thomas, ENN).
