Online Program Students
The OCEAN Online Program serves Port Townsend students at all academic levels in grades 6-12, from highly capable to those needing specialized support or guidance. The Online Program is here to offer options to students who may not want or need a traditional school experience. Students who have not yet completed a high school diploma can enroll through the end of the school year that they turn 21 years old and complete courses at OCEAN.
The Online Program is well suited for the student who is able to work online at an on offsite location to complete course offerings. The profile of a successful online student includes the ability to work independently, persevere, ask for help, have a sustained daily commitment, has organizational skills, and time management skills. Programs can be completed independently by most students once they are able to access the program, understand the software program and expectations, and are able to sustain focus to work through the lessons. An adult may be needed to help students sustain focus and help with concept understanding as needed. Certificated teachers monitor student progress, provide scheduled check-in periods, are available to provide technical and/or academic support as well as work with students and parents as needed to help support the student's academic and social and emotional development.
Student-Teacher Contact Requirements
Each week students are required to meet virtually or in-person with their conferencing teacher. Port Townsend Online Program students participate in state assessments and are required to meet all Washington State requirements prior to graduating and receiving a high school diploma.
Online Program staff interact with students in a variety of ways. These interactions can be in one-on-one conversations using a variety of technologies as a part of weekly check-ins and monthly progress reviews. Staff members are flexible with meetings times and locations.
Written Student Learning Plan
All students participate in at least 28 hours per week of learning activities that are documented on a Written Student Learning Plan (WSLP). When a student starts at OCEAN the student and family meet with a teacher to create the initial WSLP and to get oriented to the school.
Monthly Conferences
Each student and family has a 30 minute conference once a month with their conferencing teacher. At the conference a family, student and teacher collaborate on the Written Student Learning Plan including reviewing student progress and setting monthly goals. Participating in the monthly conference is an essential part of being a student and family at OCEAN. Conferences can happen over Zoom or in person.
Device and Internet Access
Students will need to have internet access and a computer, chromebook, or laptop to complete online courses.
Chromebooks are available for checkout for students in the online program. Wifi hotspots are available to students who qualify for free and reduced lunch that do not have access to the internet at home.
Weekly times will be available for students to come onsite to the online program classroom to receive support or work in a classroom setting with internet access. No on-site participation is required.
Special Education
Students with Individual Education Plans (IEPs) receive services in OCEAN from a special education teacher as determined by the IEP. Families, students and special education staff will discuss service options in the Online Program and develop plans based on student's IEP.
Athletics
Students are eligible to participate in athletics at Blue Heron or Port Townsend High School. Students interested should contact the athletic director at the school who will help with athletics registration. Students will need to meet all athletics participation requirements.