Gwinnett Online Campus goes offline to celebrate students
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Gwinnett Online Campus (GOC) celebrated students in person during its 3rd Annual Culture Fest. Although GOC is an online campus, GOC Communications Coordinator Jeanette Schiffmann and the GOC team brought their online community to life, allowing students and families to get to know one another in a fun, flavorful, and educational way.
“We had around 30 presenters and a parade that represented even more cultures,” Schiffmann shares. “It was so refreshing and educational to learn about the many backgrounds we have in our GOC family. We had student and staff families showcase their cultures with food, dance, history, language, and many visual representations of what makes them unique.”
Students set up tables with items and food to share, as well as poster board displays about their culture. Additionally, some students participated in cultural performances for guests, followed by prepared presentations that highlighted the academic work they’ve been completing behind the scenes.
“We want our students to be empowered and proud of the work they do in their courses,” Schiffman continues. “Having a showcase where they can display their hard work is a testament to the work our teachers accomplish with our students on a daily basis, and the effort our students put into their academics. It gives them the opportunity to think critically in sharing their knowledge with others and allows them to plan and organize a timeline for preparing materials in a professional manner.”
Schiffman says this is one of her favorite events at GOC.
“I believe that one of the ways GOC is such a unique online school is that we provide many opportunities for students to connect in person and have emotional and social events to encompass the whole person. We tap into our students' needs in all areas, not just educational,” Schiffman explains. “This is one of my favorite events at GOC because it encompasses social and mental intelligence while celebrating what makes each person unique, but still part of the same organization. We find ways to reach and celebrate all students, even in an online environment that acts as a barrier to human connection.”