Strikes, Spares, and Students: Our Students Bowl Together in Person 

Who says online students can’t hit the lanes and score strikes? At Iowa Virtual Academy (IAVA), we know learning happens everywhere—even at the bowling alley!  

Iowa Virtual Academy recently had a series of in-person bowling events across the state. These events, held in Ames, Bellevue, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, and Sioux City, provided an opportunity for IAVA students and families to meet each other in person. 

For many Iowa Virtual Academy students, online learning suits their needs perfectly. The flexible curriculum allows them to create a personalized learning experience. However, online schooling can limit face-to-face interactions with peers and teachers. To address this, IAVA hosts virtual and in-person activities and events. 

From Pixels to Pins: Building Real-Life Connections  

Learning in an online environment, it is easy to get caught up in the day-to-day of assignments, tests, and virtual meetings. While Iowa Virtual Academy offers an online community where students and families can interact through classes, discussion forums, and group chats, there is something special about meeting in person. These bowling events allowed IAVA students to experience meeting classmates, teachers, and school staff in a fun environment. 

Throughout the day, students participated in friendly bowling competitions, with many cheering on their classmates. While the focus was on fun, the event also gave students an opportunity to work together as a team and build friendships– connecting online and in person learning. 

Team Spirit, High Fives, and Bowling Strikes! 

The bowling events were not only a great chance for students to bond with each other, but also for families to meet one another and connect with IAVA in person. Many parents found the event to be a wonderful opportunity to talk with other parents about their experiences, share advice, and learn more about Iowa Virtual Academy. The only thing louder than the pins falling? The cheers and laughter echoing across the lanes. 

The event was also an opportunity for students to engage with their teachers in a more relaxed setting. For many, this was the first time meeting their online instructors in person, overall helping the bond between student and teacher. 

Bowling + Friendships = Unforgettable Memories 

While bowling was the main event, it was about much more than just knocking down pins. It was an opportunity for students to connect with one another, create memories, and strengthen the sense of community that is a part of IAVA’s mission. For many students, having the chance to meet their online friends and classmates for the first time was a moment they had been looking forward to for months. 

“It’s really fun. You get to meet people that you have never seen before and you can get closer to the people you meet online, and you get to see them face-to-face,” one student said. 

The event also enforces the idea that, while online learning may be different from traditional schooling, it does not mean students have to miss the connections that are so important for them. 

In addition to the bowling events, Iowa Virtual Academy organizes other in-person activities throughout the year. From field trips to outdoor adventures, these events provide students with opportunities to learn in a more traditional setting while building relationships with their peers and teachers. Whether it is visiting a museum, or going on a nature walk, IAVA’s in-person events are a key part of what makes the school special. Fun community events for online schools. 

Bowled Over by Fun and Friendship  

The bowling events were a success. In general, in-person events for online students have shown remarkable success. Students and families were thrilled by the opportunity to share in the fun, and the event has received lots of positive feedback; you can even read more about the event in the news! These events are helping IAVA students’ experiences and overall sense of belonging within the community. In-person events for online students. 

As IAVA continues to provide high-quality online education to students across Iowa, it remains committed to fostering a sense of community. Whether online or in person, the school strives to make every student feel seen and heard. After all, it is not just about the grades – it is about the relationships and the memories that make any school year unforgettable. 

Going Forward 

The bowling events are just one example of how IAVA is creating a well-rounded experience for all its students. With more in-person activities and events planned, IAVA is dedicated to making sure students have every opportunity to grow, learn, and connect – both in and out of the classroom. 

If you are a part of the IAVA community, or considering enrolling, look out for future events and opportunities to meet up in person. After all, as our mission statement says: “The Iowa Virtual Academy provides a unique environment that fosters growth and empowers students to prepare for the future of their choice.” 

 We’re telling folks to unlock their child’s potential. Join IAVA today and take the first step towards a brighter future!