Name needed for new 'virtual school'

The virtual school for kindergarten through 12th grade students being formed in the Las Virgenes Unified School District may not have walls, classrooms or the trimmings of a typical school building, but it still needs a name.

The community-students included-is invited to submit name suggestions for the school.

School board members approved the formation of the virtual school in June, and the district plan was submitted to the California Department of Education.

Assistant Superintendent of Education Joe Nardo said that once the state approves the plan, courses will be submitted to the University of California for approval so students will be able to meet graduation requirements.

The 24-hour school will be operated under the Home Independent Study and home schooling programs. Jeanette Ober, principal of Indian Hills High School, the alternative school in Calabasas, will oversee the operation. Resa Brown will continue to supervise the home schooling program.

Nardo said the purpose of the new school will be to provide greater flexibility in choosing classes. Students will be able to combine online classes, college courses, traditional high school courses and other programs to meet graduation requirements. Some courses will count toward college requirements.

The district's board has been working to create a more flexible learning environment for a broader group of students. The idea behind the virtual alternative high school is the creation of a learning atmosphere based on students' individual interests and needs, Nardo said.

Superintendent Sandra Smyser said she hopes the school name will include the word "alternative," so people will have an easier time locating its site in online searches. "It's not there yet," Ober said.

But while the district waits for state approval, board members and administrators look forward to sifting through name suggestions. They hope to have a list of names ready for review by early October.

Submit school name suggestions to Nardo at the Las Virgenes Unified School District office in Calabasas, 4111 N. Las Virgenes Road, or call (818) 8804000 for further information.