By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
The Hays Virtual School, which was started by USD 489 as an adult learning center for diploma completion, will celebrate its 25th year in January 2025.
It's one of the oldest virtual schools in Kansas, securing its state virtual licensure in the early 2000s.
Expansion and changes during the years brought the need for a virtual high school, said Sondra Hickert, lead educator.
"Fred Kaufman (former superintendent) and Mark Hauptman (former assistant superintendent) were dedicated to [starting] a USD 489 virtual school," she said.
What was formerly known as The Learning Center of Ellis County is now housed in the Hadley Center, 205 E. Seventh St.
The school transitioned from an adult learning center to a traditional high school with students ages 14-19.
"We were able to offer them a web-based program where they could complete their high school diploma," Hickert said.
"The state of Kansas requires they come through our doors for final exams in person for the program's integrity to be maintained, ensuring that it is that person who did the work," she said.
Last year, the program had 117 students. Seventy-one students started this academic year in August, and Hickert expects the number of students to increase.
Each student who enrolls is unique, she said.
"Our individual plan of study for each student is pivotal. It's the opportunity for them to have an education tailored to their lives, their needs and their expectations."
The reasons why students enroll in Hays Virtual School are varied.
"Maybe the student has given up on the idea of being a successful high school graduate at a traditional high school, regardless of where they might have attended," Hickert said.
Many students are from outside of Hays.
"It may be that they want to accelerate their education," she said. "We've had students who want to go study in China, so they get some necessary high school credits out of the way."
Other students may have experienced trauma, such as losing a parent.
"It's a life-changing event," Hickert said, "and we can offer that student just a moment to recognize who they are and what they've been through and then begin to build their individual plan of study from their own life experiences."
The Fort Hays State University Department of Social Work put a master's level practicum position in the virtual school four years ago.
"That FHSU student comes alongside our students and helps them with education, everyday challenges and mental health. If there's a need that's keeping them from advancing academically, we get that need taken care of," Hickert said.
Students also utilize community resources partnered with the school, including transitional housing, life skills counseling and mentorships, food pantry and hygiene pack availability, apprenticeships, employment programs, and medical assistance programs.
Hickert said retaining these "vibrant, young, educated" individuals is important to the regional economy.
"Providing an opportunity for a high school diploma changes the workforce for our area, [with] local people doing regional work," she said. "We're keeping the life of our surrounding communities going."
Graduating students are prepared for college or career readiness.
Numerous graduates have qualified for career and technical education scholarships from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation in Logan or the O'Brate Foundation in Garden City. One student even was awarded a physics and engineering scholarship from NASA.
Many of the graduates go on to complete programs at FHSU, Fort Hays Tech-North Central, Hays Academy of Hair Design and Barton Community College. Others begin immediately working in skilled trades.
Hickert said the Hays Virtual School students are taught how to learn.
"Our structure is a triangle," she said. "At the top apex is student needs. What does that student need to become a successful high school graduate?"
The lower two apexes are meeting standards to have a graduate either career-ready or college-ready and to graduate within four years as required by the U.S. Department of Education.
"We are a champion for our school in support of the USD 489 mission to provide a quality learning experience for every student in every classroom every day," Hickert said.