OEC Contributes to Record-Setting Grad Rate

In Avon Schools — specifically at Avon High School — students are being prepared with the knowledge, skills, and experience they need to thrive in higher education, enlistment, and the workforce. In addition to guiding students through rigorous curriculum, successful educators view students as whole people, addressing their wide variety of life circumstances, abilities, and needs. A one-size-fits-all approach to education simply doesn't work for most students.

In 2025, Avon High School achieved its highest graduation rate on record: 98.4%. The Online Education Center (OEC) played no small part in that historic effort.

Director and veteran Avon educator Denise Handlon took time out of her busy schedule to tell us about the work taking place in the OEC at AHS. Our discussion, lightly edited for this format, is below.

Can you tell us what the OEC is and how it's benefitting AHS students?

We tell our students at the beginning of every semester that the Online Education Center is an opportunity. It is a place where students are assigned for a period of their day in a brick-and-mortar classroom to work on one of 70 courses that we offer with the assistance of three certified teachers. Students benefit from being here for a variety of reasons. Some students are credit deficient and need a space to recover or catch up on credits. Upperclassmen move-in students are able to use our room to take mandatory Avon courses outside their in-person freshman classrooms. Multilingual learners benefit by being able to take courses that can be effortlessly translated for them. Students on the Academic Honor Diploma track can save their diploma by retaking a course in which they received a D. Students choosing to graduate early can take courses on off-semesters with us. The OEC helps students who need to free up space in their schedule to go off campus to attend Area 31, work-based learning, or cadet teaching. Additionally, we are able to provide courses for students who are in homebound situations. The opportunities are limitless. The OEC gives flexibility to counselors and administrators in finding solutions that help students earn credit. They know with certainty that the classes are rigorous and sound.

Education is not what it used to be. It’s more rigorous, more demanding, and more complex. Today’s educators serve a diverse student population with a wide range of needs. Students face more distractions and responsibilities than ever before. Many hold jobs, care for siblings, and navigate the constant pull of social media and video games. Education is no longer just about textbooks; it’s about supporting the whole student. Denise Handlon

You have a strong team in the OEC. Tell us about them. What drives you all?

I'm incredibly fortunate to work alongside two exceptional educators. Together, we’ve built a dynamic and harmonious team where shared values and a unified vision keep everything running smoothly.

Nancy Myers, who holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry, teaches all of our math and science students. She’s also a proud mom of four Avon graduates and one current Avon senior. In addition to her teaching assignment, Nancy also sponsors Avon's Rock Climbing club.

Julia Mainusch-Hoffman holds a master's degree in modern English and American Studies, with a minor in Media Science. She teaches English, as well as PCC, Art History, and Music History. Julia is also a mom of two: her son graduated as Avon's valedictorian in 2024, and her daughter is currently a senior. Julia is also a co-sponsor of Model UN at AHS.

As for me, I majored in Secondary Education: US History, Government and World History. I’m a proud mom of four Avon alumni, and both my husband and I are Avon graduates ourselves. Over my 20 years at Avon, I have been the varsity cheer coach and sponsored clubs. I am currently on our School Safety and Sunshine committees.

We are deeply committed to our students and their success. Our staff wants them to do well and ultimately graduate. When they struggle to see the bigger picture, we step in to guide and encourage them forward. It’s not unusual to find us sitting beside a student breaking down a math problem, helping improve an essay, or explaining how checks and balances work in government.

We hold our students to high standards. There are no shortcuts here. Every credit earned in the OEC is just that: earned. It’s never a handout. Our staff ensures that students truly learn the material and stay on track to graduate. Students can take pride in what they've done because they accomplished and learned something when they finish a course.

We were thrilled to hear about the record-breaking graduation numbers! The work that happens in our room contributes to that success in meaningful ways. At the OEC, we support students who may have once believed graduating on time wasn’t possible. Denise Handlon

You're a veteran AHS educator. What drew you to your current role?

As the Director of the OEC, I work with our partners at Edmentum to make sure we have the courses we need and stay up to date on any changes that occur with the program. Each semester I work with OASIS and Avon Academy in setting up their courses. I enlist the help of teachers at AHS to get their guidance in creating or customizing courses for our room so that we are in alignment with Avon and state standards. The counseling department, administrators, and I work together to come up with solutions for students with unique circumstances and make sure we are in alignment with grad pathways and Career and Technical Education concentrators. In addition, I oversee my own students and help them navigate their way through their courses.

After 11 years out of the classroom raising my children, I came back to Avon as the Online Education Director. My previous teaching experience in adult education, in both an alternative program and at AHS seemed to make this job a good fit. Initially, I thought it would be a stop on my way back to a social studies classroom, but in a short time I fell in love with the mission — helping kids graduate. As the program developed and grew, I knew there was no other place I'd rather be.

We hold our students to high standards. There are no shortcuts here. Every credit earned in the OEC is just that: earned. It’s never a handout. Denise Handlon

AHS recently recorded its best ever graduation rate — 98.4%. That's certainly something for our whole district to celebrate. How did you and your team feel when you heard the news?

We were thrilled to hear about the record-breaking graduation numbers! The work that happens in our room contributes to that success in meaningful ways. At the OEC, we support students who may have once believed graduating on time wasn’t possible. But through perseverance, hard work, and determination, they rise to the challenge, and they make it through!

You shared that Edmentum regards your program as a 'model program'. What does that mean?

Our partners at Edmentum sent the following to answer your question.

Avon Community School Corporation stands out as a model user of Edmentum Courseware by aligning every course to its vision of learning through careful curriculum review. Students receive daily support from certified subject matter staff, ensuring guidance and engagement throughout their learning journey. Teachers also incorporate graded activities to maintain rigor and accountability across courses. Avon’s commitment goes beyond credit recovery, the true focus is on student learning, growth, and long-term success.

What should community members know about today's educational environment and the work that's happening at AHS?

Education is not what it used to be. It’s more rigorous, more demanding, and more complex. Today’s educators serve a diverse student population with a wide range of needs. Students face more distractions and responsibilities than ever before. Many hold jobs, care for siblings, and navigate the constant pull of social media and video games. Education is no longer just about textbooks; it’s about supporting the whole student.

AHS is meeting the challenges of an ever-changing educational environment. Avon offers a variety of courses that prepare students for college or equip them with skills for the workforce. Our counseling staff and social workers provide both academic and emotional support to help students thrive. Our administration strives to keep students and staff accountable. Our teaching staff goes above and beyond to make sure that each and every student, no matter their background or abilities, has the opportunity to succeed. Avon also encourages students to explore their passions through a wide range of extracurricular activities, from e-sports and robotics to music, art, speech, and athletics. We support these young adults in being prepared for whatever path they choose.