Lt. Gov. in Altamont to Help Announce Virtual Learning Class

(LT. GOV. EVELYN SANGUINETTI)

Illinois Lt. Gov. Evelyn Sanguinetti was among those on hand Thursday to announce a virtual learning pilot program involving students from Altamont Community High School.

The 10 students from ACHS will help the State determine the future of the program. The students will be studying Advanced Placement US History and Government.

(ASHLEY GOECKNER SPOKE ON BEHALF OF THE PARTICIPATING ALTAMONT STUDENTS)

The pilot program is being shepherded by the Governor's Rural Affairs Council, chaired by Sanguinetti. She said Illinois Virtual School not only increases the variety of courses available to rural students, the technology involved helps ease students into the transition from high school to college learning.

The program at Altamont hit the ground running, as Thursday was the first day of class. The 10 Altamont students taking part are Ashley Goeckner, Emily Becker, Rachel Grobengieser, Austin Wendling, Dylan Marble, Patrick Tkachuk, Kaleb Whitt, Stephen Berg, Brooke Stuckemeyer, and Hanna Wolff.

The students will be tested at the start of the class and re-tested at the close of the class in May to monitor their progress. Sanguinetti made it clear that this is a one-year pilot program, so the success of the students will be watched closely.

(MEMBERS OF THE ALTAMONT CLASS WITH ST. REP. JOHN CAVALETTO AND ALTAMONT PRINCIPAL JERRY TKACHUCK POSE WITH LT. GOV. SANGUINETTI AT THE CLOSE OF THURSDAY'S CEREMONY)

St. Rep. John Cavaletto and Regional Superintendent of Schools Julie Wollerman were among those also on hand for the introduction of the class. A similar announcement is taking place at Central A&M High School.