By Rhys Baker

USD 379 Clay County Schools started an Academic Ambassador program to inform staff, community members, parents, or anyone interested about what is happening in the district’s classrooms. The USD 379 Community Connections Coordinator, Matt Weller, explains what prompted the program, “We’ve always done a pretty good job in the school district of promoting activities, events, students who are excelling. But the main reason we are here, is to learn. We wanted to showcase the great things are teachers are doing, that are kids our doing, and really promote academic excellence within the district. Academic Ambassadors is just a way to showcase what each section or group is doing.”

Weller understands that only some patrons will be interested in the curriculum or the pathways the USD 379 District uses to help students excel. However, if you are interested, the Academic Ambassador program includes a monthly video clip to help those not in the classroom. Weller explains what to expect, “The first one that we are going to have is mystery science. The videos are anywhere from four to eight minutes and just showcase students in the classroom using the curriculum. We also interview teachers and students about what they are doing, how they are using the curriculum, that sort of thing.”

To sign up to be an Academic Ambassador, point your internet browser to usd379.org/academics. You do not need to sign up again if you signed up last year.