February 2024 – Students of the Month
Congrats to our February Students of the Month!
As we have entered a new calendar year and braved some winter weather, these students were selected after impressive showings in their respective program & in the classroom over the last month! Scroll down to read our Q&A with each program’s Student of the Month selection.
February 2024 – Students of the Month:
- Jiovanny (Options Indiana North)
- Cedella (Options Westfield High School)
- Naomi (Options Indiana South)
- Emily (Options Westfield Middle School)
- Jackson (Simon Youth Academy at Options Noblesville)
- Robert (Options with ABA)
- Asher (Options Indiana Middle School)
Jiovanny
Options Indiana North
Grade: 12th
Hometown: I live in Fort Wayne, but I’m from Providence, Rhode Island
When did you begin attending Options?
I enrolled at Options at the beginning of last year.
Away from school, do you have any hobbies or ways you enjoy spending your free time?
My main hobby is playing soccer. I play for an MLS academy team and spend most of my time training, competing, or playing for fun with my teammates.
What is your favorite thing about Options Indiana?
My favorite thing about Options Indiana is the teachers because they are always willing to help when I do not understand and will work with you if you are falling behind. They also work very hard to put together lessons and get things graded quickly.
What is your favorite subject in school?
My favorite subject is science because I love learning about how the world works and how scientific studies have contributed to advancements in human technology and understanding.
Do you have a favorite teacher or staff member in Options Indiana?
Yes, I like all of my teachers but my favorite is probably Mrs. Smith because I had her as a teacher for my Speech and English classes and she always uplifts me by complimenting my strengths and kindly communicates what I could do better.
Have you improved in any areas since enrolling at Options?
Yes, being a student in Options has helped me to manage my time efficiently and taught me a lot of academic skills, such as how to write an essay and cite evidence.
Do you have any current plans or aspirations for after you graduate?
After graduating, I would like to sign a contract to become a professional soccer player and hopefully, eventually continue my education as well in a science major.
Cedella
Options Westfield High School
Grade: 11th
When did you begin attending Options?
I started in early February.
Away from school, do you have any hobbies or ways you enjoy spending your free time?
I really love music. My two older brothers have made their own music also, so I’ve been around it for as long as I can remember and really enjoy listening to music.
What have you enjoyed most about the Options experience?
I like that you can work independently if you want, but it is also easy to build friendships and get help from teachers whenever you need it. Plus the school isn’t too big.
What is your favorite subject in school?
Math
Do you have a favorite Options teacher or staff member?
Probably Blaine and Sean. They’ve been very helpful and supportive.
Have you improved in any areas since you first started attending Options?
Definitely managing everything I have going on and being able to balance all of my classes, so I don’t miss anything.
Do you have any current plans or aspirations for after you graduate?
I have a CNA (certified nursing assistant) course that I’ve been taking and I get my CNA certification around March 8. Once I become a CNA, I think I want to move on to maybe a RN (registered nurse). Ever since I was younger, I’ve always wanted to be in the medical field, and I’ve been around it because a lot of women in my family have worked in the medical field.
Naomi
Options Indiana South
Grade: 11th
Hometown: I was born and raised in Goodyear Arizona but moved to Westfield in 2022
When did you begin attending Options?
I enrolled at Options partially through my sophomore year, in 2023.
Away from school, do you have any hobbies or ways you enjoy spending your free time?
Hobbies and ways I enjoy spending my freetime include: skateboarding, crocheting, getting involved in my church and dancing. Fun fact: as a small hobby, I collect Bath & Body Works perfumes.
Do you have a favorite Options teacher or staff member?
It is very difficult for me to choose a staff member who is my favorite because all have been so helpful and kind to me. However, two staff members have stood out to me the most. These staff members are Whitney Holmes and Julie Pownall. Whitney Holmes is my advisor and through my stay with Options she has helped me coordinate everything, not only this but she’s always so helpful and kind. Julie Pownall (Ms. Pownall) is my Chemistry teacher who has been the most helpful teacher I have had. She always makes time to meet with me when I’m in need and makes sure you really understand the subject. She is also so kind and helpful and always willing to help.
What have you enjoyed most about the Options experience?
My favorite thing about Options Indiana is the flexibility it allows me to have. This lets me have the time to focus as long as I need on school as well as prioritizing breaks for my own mental health. I’ve also noticed that I am able to do better in school when I’m able to look back at the lessons and subjects from earlier in the year, and thankfully because of options I can do this when I need to.
What is your favorite subject in school?
My favorite subject in school has always been english. I like English because I enjoy reading and writing as well as all the skills needed to understand the subject.
Have you improved in any areas since you first started attending Options?
Since I’ve joined Options, I have improved in my academics. The teachers are all very kind and are always willing to help me when I am in need. It’s as easy as sending an email to outreach them and they are willing to meet virtually with me to help me with my school work. Out of all schools I have attended, I have found Options to benefit me the most.
Do you have any current plans or aspirations for when you’re older, or after you graduate?
After I graduate, I plan to join the medical field and become a veterinarian. Whether I’m working with classic house pets or exotic animals, I want to help animals who are in need of care and love.
Emily
Options Westfield Middle School
Grade: 6th
When did you begin attending Options?
I started a few weeks ago.
Do you have any hobbies or ways you enjoy spending your free time?
I enjoy drawing and sketching.
What have you enjoyed most about the Options experience?
I’ve enjoyed the teachers and also the other students. Teachers are always willing to help and provide one-on-one assistance.
What is your favorite subject in school?
Science
Have you improved in any areas since starting at Options?
I feel like I’m more social and comfortable around people I don’t know well.
Do you have a favorite teacher or staff member?
Robert is great. I’m working with another student I’m friends with to create and run a carnival game at the Winter Fun Festival on March 8.
Do you have any current plans or aspirations for after you graduate?
I’m thinking about going to college at Ball State University or the University of Tennessee. I want to go to school to become a heart surgeon.
Jackson
Simon Youth Academy at Options Noblesville
Grade: 9th
When did you enroll at Options?
I started here about a year ago.
Do you have any hobbies, passions, or ways you enjoy spending your free time?
I like playing basketball, football and riding dirt-bikes.
What have you enjoyed most about the Options experience?
I really enjoy the smaller environment and everyone is nice here.
What is your favorite subject in school?
Math because I’m pretty good at it.
Have you improved in any areas since starting at Options?
I think I’ve grown in becoming a better person.
Do you have any current plans or aspirations for after you graduate?
I want to go into automotive or welding.
Robert
Options with ABA
Grade: 8th
Quote from teacher about student’s successes…
“The thing that stands out the most about Robert is the way he treats others. He is always so kind and respectful to his peers and teachers. He is patient and listens to their ideas, and he shares his own. He knows a lot of very cool information about World History, and it is always interesting to see what he will have to add to the discussion. I also admire that Robert consistently puts forth his personal best, and he is a great role model for the other students in our class.”
When did you begin attending Options?
Four years ago
Do you have any hobbies or ways you enjoy spending your free time?
Dungeons and Dragons
What is your favorite thing about attending Options with ABA?
I get good grades.
What is your favorite subject in school?
History. I like learning about the past of mankind.
Have you improved in any areas since enrolling at Options?
Yes, Math in particular.
Do you have any current plans or aspirations for after you graduate?
College
Asher
Options Indiana Middle School
Grade: 7th
Hometown: Owensville, IN
When did you enroll at Options?
October 2023
Do you have any hobbies, passions or ways you enjoy spending your free time?
I like riding my electric scooter and playing Mario on my Nintendo Switch.
What is your favorite thing about Options Indiana?
I really like that the teachers are willing to help any time and that I can take my time with the lessons.
What is your favorite subject in school?
Art – because I like to create things.
Do you have a favorite teacher or staff member in Options Indiana?
I like all of my teachers. They are always happy to help me with anything.
Have you improved in any areas since enrolling at Options?
My grades have improved a lot!
Do you have any current plans or aspirations for after you graduate?
I am not sure yet.
* About Options Schools *
Founded in 2002, Options Schools are free, public charter schools serving grade 6-12 students in all 92 school districts in the state of Indiana. With a high-quality, individualized approach to education, Options Schools specializes in providing students with an inclusive environment, unparalleled support, and a student-to-teacher ratio of 15-to-1. With brick-and-mortar campuses in Noblesville and Westfield, Options also offers additional programs in virtual & in-person formats.
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