The 'Cademy Crew: Mrs. Rost, Advisor to Ambassadors
Every k12 student has a k12 advisor. Maybe Mrs. Rost is yours! But did you also know that every new k12 student has an Ambassador, as well? What is an Ambassador? What do they do? And when did they appear in our school? Learn more about the k12 Ambassador program from its moderator and k12 staff member, Mrs. Rost, an advisor to Ambassadors.
1) How and why was the Ambassador Program started?
The Student Ambassador Program was started at iCademy to help incoming students more easily acclimate to a new online school setting. We asked the iCademy teachers to recommend students who were responsible, social leaders who would be great peer mentors. I sent invitations to those students and a great group responded to start the program at iCademy.
2) How can students of iCademy benefit from the SA program?
Students entering iCademy have a peer welcome them to their new school. It is our virtual welcome wagon. They are emailed by their Ambassador during their first week at iCademy. Their Ambassador continues to connect with the students leading them through getting started and involved in their new school. The Ambassadors also benefit by utilizing their social and leadership skills to assist the new students.
3) What are some things Ambassadors do to help their students? What are the Ambassadors' purposes?
Throughout the year, the Ambassador will not only send tips and information to the students, they will also encourage them and invite them to activities. The Ambassadors each hosted a session this year with a topic that would be most helpful to their peers. The Ambassadors created the presentation and hosted the session. The sessions ranged from tips for taking finals to utilizing the Family Connection to organizing your workspace.
4) The Ambassador program has just completed its first year. Could you tell us how it lived up to your expectations? How is it like what you had originally imagined it, and how is it different?
This was an exciting year for the Ambassadors! We learned so much about connecting with students and what they need. The Ambassadors became very innovative with their ideas in reaching students. iCademy’s Ambassadors also joined other student mentors from across the United States to share ideas. Next year, we are hoping to increase the interactions between Ambassadors and their students with more creative and supportive outreach ideas.
5) How has working for the Ambassador program changed your life?
I really enjoyed working with the Ambassadors this year. They are an amazing group of students with tremendous drive and talent. I have learned that the sky is the limit for these students as well as the rest of the high school population at iCademy. There are such tremendous opportunities for students and I love seeing students interact in their club/activity settings as well as their global community.
6) Is there anything you would like to tell students about you personally?
I have had a great year advising my students and am so thankful to be able to work with such amazing people from all over the world. I hope everyone has a great summer! During this summer, I will be camping, reading, crocheting, and enjoying all the fun summer has to offer! I cannot wait to hear of your summer adventures.
