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Warren Connect reports growth, partnerships and classroom use of AI tools
Summary
Warren Connect presented program enrollment, partnerships with TCAT and local organizations, and classroom uses of an AI educational tool called Magic School at the Board of Education meeting.
Warren Connect, the district's accredited virtual learning program, told the Warren County Board of Education on Feb. 20 that enrollment is at capacity with about 84 students and a 25-student wait list for next year.
Dr. Courtney Bennett, director of Warren Connect, said the program requires 4.5 hours per day of online work, offers an option for December early graduation without a formal ceremony and provides college- and career-readiness services including FAFSA assistance through the Ayers Foundation and online ACT prep. Partnerships listed in the presentation included TCAT, Ben Lomond Connect and the Warren County Airport's EAA Chapter 1700 Young Eagles program.
Why it matters: The virtual program gives students an alternate path to diploma attainment, industry certifications and dual enrollment while preserving district funding for early graduates, Dr. Bennett said.
Classroom technology and AI: Teacher and Warren Connect staff member Danielle Smith and presenter Patty Smith demonstrated Magic School, an AI-assisted instructional platform used with students. The demonstration showed the platform generating grade-appropriate vocabulary lists, student-centered short stories, rubrics and differentiated lesson plan activities. Patty Smith described using Magic School to personalize reading passages and to create rubrics and leveled lesson activities for students at different achievement levels.
Dr. Bennett and board members discussed ethical implementation and the need to set guardrails for artificial-intelligence tools in classrooms; Dr. Bennett said the district is offering administrator technology training and a certification pathway for virtual-leadership staff.
Presenters and details
- Dr. Courtney Bennett, Director, Warren Connect: reported current enrollment (84), a 25-student wait list, and partnerships with TCAT and the Warren County Airport EAA chapter. - Danielle Smith, Warren County FFA advisor and Warren Connect staff: noted responsibilities and continuity in programming. - Patty Smith, teacher: demonstrated Magic School features used to differentiate instruction.
Next steps: Application window for Warren Connect opens in May; staff will continue to refine AI-use guidance and offer administrator and principal training on responsible implementation.
