There are many ways for students in the Clinton County School District to obtain an education. With well over 1,700 students currently enrolled for the 2016-17 school year, the district provides a multitude of options for students. Most students are best served by the traditional mode of education with those students attending face to face classes, Monday through Friday for approximately 172 school days each year.

It is important to note that with flu season approaching, attendance can sometimes prove challenging for those students affected.

DPP (Director of Pupil Personnel) Julie York would like to remind parents/guardians that if their child becomes sick or is injured during the school year, they will likely qualify for temporary home instruction. KRS 159.030 states that a child or youth shall be provided home/hospital instruction if the condition of the child prevents or renders inadvisable attendance at school as verified by a signed statement from a doctor.

“Basically,” states York, “if your child gets sick or injured you can request a home hospital form from my office. The doctor will sign this form so that we can continue the child’s education in a home setting while he/she recovers. The time frame for home hospital instruction must be a minimum of five (5) school days.”

While the traditional mode of instruction works for most students, some non-traditional or at-risk students attend Clear Creek Academy. This alternative setting allows students that need an opportunity for credit recovery to apply to attend CCA in order to earn lost credits and get back on track for graduation. Students applying to CCA are screened and if a need is found they are allowed to attend those classes until they get back on track with their peers and ready to return to the classroom.

Just this year, another opportunity is being provided for students of Clinton County.

At the September school board meeting, the board approved the formation of the Bulldog Virtual Academy. This program is designed to meet the needs of students who have circumstances which make it impossible for them to attend school in a regular setting. This program is geared to those most at-risk of dropping out, those wanting to graduate with their class and needing to re-enter school, or even those home schooled students who want to earn a traditional high school diploma.

According to York, “students must see me to apply to the program and meet the requirements set forth in the handbook. If the student meets the eligibility requirements, they are permitted to complete the course work at home in an online setting.”

Although this is the first year for the “virtual academy” opportunity in Clinton County, York said several other districts in the state have been using the program over the past few years, due mainly to the new state law raising the drop-out age in Kentucky to 18.

The alternative education measure is geared primarily to high school ages, but could be utilized for students as low as the middle-school level in certain situations and if they meet the criteria.

Currently, only a handful of students in the district are involved in the new Bulldog Virtual Academy, as the DPP referred to it primarily as a last result for students and families who have run out of options.

“Since the compulsory attendance age has moved to 18, school districts are finding the need to use some non-traditional techniques in order to best meet the needs of students. Face to face classes with highly qualified and caring teachers is always the best way for our students to learn,” contends York, “but that setting is not always possible for all kids all of the time.”

York concluded, “Sometimes life has other plans so we are trying to meet kids where they are and help them get where they need to be.”