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Students, parents and teachers praise TOPS' flexibility and student support at school board meeting
Summary
TOPS students, parents and teachers told the board the online program’s flexible schedule and teacher responsiveness help students balance athletics, mental‑health needs and academics; the presentation included student testimonials, teacher remarks and photos from a Bristol Caverns field trip.
Paisley Gray, a seventh‑grade student at TOPS, told the board she trains 20 hours a week as a competitive gymnast and that TOPS’ schedule lets her manage schoolwork alongside training. “With TOPS, I’m able to do all of that. I can do my work on my own time, and I don’t have to worry about staying up late getting my homework finished,” Gray said.
The presentation, introduced by Mr. Parker, showcased a video and multiple short testimonials from students, parents and teachers intended to highlight strengths beyond standardized test scores. Senior Adeline Miller said the program gave her a comfortable environment and improved her mental health: “I feel like I am still successful in my learning but just in an environment that I’m comfortable in.”
Parents described similar benefits. One parent of a high‑school athlete said the program freed time for training and reduced stress from bullying, calling TOPS “a godsend.” Carrie Gray, Paisley’s parent, said her daughter began TOPS in sixth grade and finally “found the school–gymnastics life balance she so desperately needed.”
Teachers also spoke to the board. Dr. Fine, who said she has taught and designed TOPS courses since the program’s start, described TOPS as “student focused, flexible, and [with] high expectations for both teachers and students,” and noted the program’s growing enrollment and recognition. English teacher April Trivet said online instruction allowed more individualized attention and opportunities for students to pursue outside passions.
Presenters also highlighted extracurricular and community opportunities available to TOPS students, including a student‑led book club, Beta Club service projects, a cooking club and a recent field trip to Bristol Caverns, which presenters noted remained a constant 58 degrees inside despite snowy conditions outside.
Why it matters: Board members praised TOPS’ ability to offer alternatives to traditional schooling that can accommodate athletes, students with mental‑health or social concerns, and families who travel. No board action on the TOPS presentation was required; the board moved from delegates to new business after the presentation.
The meeting record shows the presentation concluded with photographs and a brief closing statement from presenters; the board then proceeded to routine agenda items.
