Hahm said parental support is a key aspect to the Virtual school s success, because parents need to have a computer, may need to take classes on using their computer and will have to pay the extra costs that are incurred. Because of the use of the internet and technical services, the tuition has increased to help pay for the cost of the internet connection fee and other costs. The school itself will provide internet service. The school and teachers will have their own web site where parents can find information about classes. Parents will have their own password to obtain information about grades and assignments from the website.
Teachers can also download digital pictures or live video of students on their websites.
Teachers will use e-mail to send newsletters or private notes to parents instead of sending home information with students. The single most attractive aspect of the Virtual School, said Hahm is the ongoing technical support from the virtual schools in Winona. Teachers have already attended five training sessions to learn how to use the technology for communicatiing with parents and as a teaching aid. Classes will also be available for parents, as well, to learn how to get on the internet and how to set up their e-mail. Hahm said he has been on cloud nine since he found out about the grant, and is very excited about using the internet as a teaching tool.