Wondering if hybrid school is still available at CSD? This year there’s something different; the brand new RIPPLE program. Led by Andie Snyder, RIPPLE, Remote & In Person Personalized Learning Experience, is a blended learning program that CSD currently offers for first and second graders, but RIPPLE pilots hope to eventually expand the program through senior year. 

According to Gretchen Mulkerrins, RIPPLE first grade teacher, “RIPPLE offers [families] flexibility to travel a lot. We have a couple families [who] like to be off the grid for a couple days a week, and this allows that flexibility so they can do things in their lives that are really important to them and still get education.” 

Cheri Foreman, Mulkerrins’ second grade counterpart, helps Mulkerrins as she “teaches [parents] how to teach their kids at home. We provide the curriculum that they need to do, but they get to implement some of it at home.” 

RIPPLE students meet one day a week for in-person instruction at Spartan Park, and they are at home the rest. Once RIPPLE pilots think it is safe for students to come back, because of covid, students will meet in person two or three days a week. 

The ability to meet at Spartan Park provides easy access to nature and some of Mulkerrins’ favorite moments. “We made little pinecone bird feeders and went in the woods [today] and [the students] were very decisive and particular in where they placed their bird feeder,” Mulkerrins said. “ They sat in the woods and observed the birds eat, so they were excited about that today.”