The Mississippi Department of Education is pleased to announce free high school online course offerings through the Mississippi Online Learning Institute (MOLLI). This opportunity is being offered to students displaced due to Hurricane Katrina thanks to a $2.5 million grant from the BellSouth Foundation and to the generous in kind donations of Florida Virtual School, APEX Learning, and eCollege. While we realize that many districts do not currently have the needed facilities and technology infrastructure for students to access these online courses, we wanted to make you aware of this opportunity as soon as possible. Please contact the Office of Educational Technology for information regarding alternative methods for students to access online courses.

Deadline extended for registration of MOLLI online courses
until January 13, 2006

The Office of Educational Technology will manage the application and enrollment process for all displaced students in grades 9 – 12 with priority being given to seniors. The following conditions apply to these online courses:

1. No online courses will be offered that are tied to a Subject Area Test:

• Algebra I
• Biology I
• English II
• U.S. History

2. Students may take non-core content courses for elective credit only.

3. Applications must be signed and submitted via fax by high school counselors.

Please fill out our registration form if you are interested in participating.

Eligible students who are interested in taking a MOLLI course should contact their guidance counselors to complete a registration form which must also be signed by the parent or guardian. MOLLI staff will accept registration forms submitted from school counselors via fax to Melvin Robinson at 601-359-2337. The registration deadline has been extended to January 13, 2006 . MOLLI staff will follow up with guidance counselors to confirm enrollment and address dissemination of course materials.

Thank you for your diligence and determination as we work through this crisis together. Any students, parents, or district personnel with questions regarding MOLLI registration may contact Melvin Robinson or Laura Jones by utilizing the Katrina hotline number which is 1-866-856-2213 or the primary Office of Educational Technology phone number which is 601-359-3954. They can also be reached via email at merobinson@mde.k12.ms.us or lauraj@mde.k12.ms.us.

MOLLI FACT SHEET

~ for high school students impacted by Hurricane Katrina ~

• Mississippi Online Learning Institute (MOLLI) is a web-based educational service offered by the Mississippi Department of Education to provide Mississippi students and educators with access to a wider range of course work, with more flexibility in scheduling, and with the opportunity to develop their capacities as independent learners.
• With the $2.5 million grant from the BellSouth Foundation, eligible students can continue their education via MOLLI courses and stay on track for graduation.
• Student eligibility for free MOLLI online courses - high school students affected by Hurricane Katrina. Prioritization given to seniors.
• Deadline extended for registration of MOLLI online courses until January 13, 2006
• Registration Process - Student completes the MOLLI registration form, has parent/guardian sign it, and submits it to his/her school counselor for approval and processing.
• Link to MDE website to access the MOLLI registration form: www.mde.k12.ms.us/katrina
• MOLLI Registration forms will also be available in local school counselors’ offices.
• Parents or students who have questions regarding MOLLI courses should contact The Office of Educational Technology at 601-359-3954 or toll free at 866-856-2213.