virtual school programs FAQ

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1.  What grade levels can participate, and how many students?

Any grade level can participate.  Our presentations are geared for grades 3-5, 6-8, or 9-12.  Entire school assemblies combine elements for each ages group.

2. How much does a virtual assembly cost?

Our presentations are $150 for classroom/single-grade programs (generally 60 or fewer students) and $300 for multi-grade assemblies (up to 500 students).

We are a non-profit program and want to come to your school!  If this does not fit into your budget, let us know and we will do our best to accommodate and find additional funding.

One option is to partner with other teachers or even other schools, and split the cost.  We can do large virtual assemblies for two schools at once, or all students in one grade from one school district.  What grade students learn about water?  Could they all come together into one large assembly?

3.  How interactive are virtual presentations?

Very interactive!  Students can raise their hands, fill out polls, ask questions in the chat, and even get up and complete short exercises that help them learn about sailing.  We know how important it is to keep students engaged.  

4. What do students and teachers need to participate in a virtual presentation?

If students are in school, using a smart board or large screen at the front of each classroom typically works best. 

If students are learning from home all they need to participate is a smartphone, tablet, or computer connected to the internet.  

Before the assembly we will email you a link for students and teachers to click on to join, along with easy-to-follow instructions.

Every school is a little different, but don't worry. We have learned a lot about virtual learning and I bet you have too.  We want to make it happen and will help with any problems that arise.

5.  Can a virtual assembly really replace a live all-school assembly?

Yes!  Virtual assemblies are fun, new, interesting, and provide opportunities for interaction that aren't there with live assemblies.  Your students will have a great time, and your teachers will too!

6. How long do virtual presentations last?

For younger students, our programs are 30-40 minutes.  High school programs are generally 45 minutes, or the length of a class.  We can adjust to fit your schedule.

7. Can presentations be recorded for students or teachers who cannot attend?

Yes.  All presentations will be recorded and the link provided to teachers.  If requested, we can also provide follow-up quiz sheets or homework ideas for participating students.

8. Can teachers play a moderating role?  What if a student becomes disruptive?

Zoom, the platform we use, controls the interactions with students.  They are muted and cannot unmute themselves.  Questions are viewed by us before anyone can see them, and the best ones get aired publicly and answered--which is great for all the students.

If you'd like a teacher to be co-host and to introduce or thank us, you are welcome to do so.