SUN PRAIRIE — Jason Janczak used a webcam to stay connected to his school during sixth grade while battling brain cancer and wound up becoming a trailblazer.

Prairie View Middle School Principal Nancy Hery was so touched when she visited Jason and saw what it meant to him that she purchased five cameras in case another student needs them in the future. Her goal is to place one in each of the student’s core classes such as English and social studies.

"They’re still part of the class (with the webcam)," she said. "What a difference for a child, not to feel so alone."

Jason, who called the classroom a couple of times with an answer to a question posed in class or a question he had, said the webcam also helped him academically.

"I feel like a little more caught up, not as far behind," he said.

Jason missed most of the school days from February until the end of the school year.

Randy Enders, Jason’s teacher who came up with the idea of the webcam, had learned about its potential at a conference and had experience communicating that way with a nephew. He then talked to technology and media specialists at the school and others in the district and set it up in his classroom.

The webcam allowed Jason to view the classroom and see the students’ interactions with the teacher and practical jokes. Students could go up to the camera to send a greeting or tell him he was missed. One time a student suggested ice cream might make him feel better. They sang "Happy Birthday" to him when he turned 12.

"He’s a social kid, and he needs to have his friends around him at all times," said his mother, Tracy Janczak, who credits the webcam with helping Jason recover. "He doesn’t feel like he’s been left behind."

Enders, who had Jason for homeroom, social studies and study hall, said he was motivated to do what he could by Janczak and his ordeal, which has involved surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.

"It was tough because he is always smiling," he said. "He’s one of those kids you can immediately make relationships with."

Jason, who is expected to make a full recovery, plans to return to Prairie View this fall as a seventh-grader.

Each Monday the State Journal  features a story about learning in southern Wisconsin. Send ideas for stories to Beth Williams at bwilliams@madison.com or call 608-252-6130.