NORWICH – The Norwich City School District Board of Education is continuing to focus on three key areas – student life, academics and finance – as the 2011-2012 school year hits the 10-week mark.

At Monday night’s meeting, board members heard presentations on the high school’s online, college-credit courses; building reviews by both the middle and high school principals; and a financial update on the district’s co-curricular activities and athletics.

BOCES Director of Technology Phil Sheridan gave a brief overview of the high school’s online AP courses and said it’s beneficial for many students to explore this type of learning.

“It’s not a new style of learning by any means, but it’s good that we’re catching up with other states ... there are all kinds of success stories,” he added.

Learning online, according to Sheridan, is “going to open many doors for students.”

NHS senior Stephanie Todd is one of approximately 10 students taking advantage of the online experience. Currently enrolled in an AP European History course, Todd said the opportunity makes it easy to communicate with instructors, but could also make it easier for students to procrastinate from time to time.