A Year in Review: Reflecting on Growth and Gratitude at Connect Academy

Looking back on an incredible year at Connect Academy — a celebration of growth, connection, and the amazing moments that shaped 2025!

​As we close out another transformative school year, we’re taking a moment to reflect on all that’s been accomplished across Connect Academy’s three campuses. From welcoming new students and building classroom communities to redefining support systems and creating spaces where students feel truly at home, this year was marked by incredible progress, teamwork, and heart.

Connect Academy Main: A Culture of Belonging and Behavioral Growth
At Main Campus, 2024–2025 has been a year of laying down roots. What began as a goal to build structure and support has grown into something much deeper, a culture where students and staff show up as their full selves and thrive together.

Site Administrator Mollie Marshall reflected on this evolution:
“It’s been incredible to watch our space grow into more than just a school, it truly feels like a home.”

This culture has created a ripple effect. As new students joined throughout the year, the team embraced each one with empathy, flexibility, and a firm belief in their potential. Students who once struggled to adjust found consistency, care, and connection.

A particularly powerful moment came when a classroom doubled in size. What began with uncertainty blossomed into a true community, one that now thrives in both academics and relationships:
“The students have learned how to get along, build meaningful friendships, and actively engage in their learning in ways we never expected… What started with the belief that we could only effectively manage four students has now blossomed into a strong, supportive community of eight.”

Perhaps the most notable area of growth at Main has been the campus-wide evolution in how student behavior is supported. The team implemented a tiered behavioral support system rooted in accountability, trust, and consistency—one that empowers students and strengthens communication with families. This shift has brought the entire staff closer together and deepened their impact:
“We’ve grown in how we communicate during a crisis, how we debrief afterward to learn from each experience, and how we problem-solve as a unified team,” said Marshall.

Connect Academy East: Community, Celebration, and Academic Momentum
At East Campus, growth this year has been visible both in numbers and in outcomes. What began as a quieter campus is now nearly filled to capacity, an exciting reflection of the trust and momentum building within the community.

Site Coordinator Peggy McDermott shared how this growth has impacted students and staff:
“East did not have that many students in attendance and by the end of the year, we will be filled to capacity.”

A standout moment came during the holiday season when students enjoyed a festive pancake breakfast and a surprise visit from Santa. It was a celebration filled with joy and connection, one that reminded staff and families of the power of shared experiences.

Behind the scenes, East’s academic program has seen thoughtful refinement through team collaboration. With two dedicated teachers aligning curriculum and instructional strategies, the team has created more consistent, engaging learning opportunities for every student:
“The collaboration between the two teachers and working on the curriculum at East [has led to] better growth with the students in their academics,” commented McDermott.

Connect Academy Early Childhood: A Year of Firsts and Foundations
For Connect Academy Early Childhood, this year marked the exciting debut of a brand-new program designed specifically for our youngest learners. From day one, staff committed to building not just a school, but a deeply nurturing, supportive environment where every child could thrive.

Jessica Burkoth, Site Administrator, who helped lead the campus in its inaugural year, described the pride she feels in her team:
“Even on the most emotionally and physically demanding days, their commitment never wavers; they continue to show up, focused and devoted, always putting our students first.”

The first student to walk through the doors left a lasting impression—one that symbolized the beginning of something special:
“His smile was unforgettable… It’s been heartwarming to watch him welcome new classmates with pride, excitedly showing them around and proudly calling it 'his' school,” Burkoth stated.

In terms of operational growth, the Early Childhood team made major strides in coordination and role clarity. Through a strategic approach to delegation and shared leadership, each team member now plays to their strengths, all while contributing to a cohesive and supportive learning environment. 

“We have developed a strategic approach to delegation, assigning responsibilities based on individual strengths and aligning them with targeted areas for program improvement,” Burkoth elaborated. 

Looking Ahead
As we look back on the 2024–2025 school year, we’re filled with gratitude, for the students who trusted us, the staff who gave their all, and the families who partnered with us every step of the way. Across all three Connect Academy campuses, this year has been defined by growth, not only in numbers, but in culture, connection, and the belief that every child deserves a place to belong and succeed!

Thank you to our entire Connect Academy community for making this school year one to remember. We can’t wait to continue this journey of growth and impact—together. Want to learn more about referring a student to Connect Academy? Check out our referrals page for more information by clicking the button below. 

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