SBUSD Virtual Academy
Rise and Shine~July 17, 2021
Greetings families
We are excited to meet you and look forward to a successful year of learning and growing. I typically send out bi-monthly updates for families. I'm sharing quite a bit of information in this newsletter and our teachers will be calling you in the next few days to connect.
- We are hosting a Meet & Greet on July 22nd & 23rd for families to pick up materials, meet their teacher, and ask questions as needed. Please note the scheduled times are listed below and on our website under upcoming events on the Home Page. I will update the day/time once I receive the remaining grade levels.
- We've had a few changes now that sites are able to teach with in-person learning. We will continue to offer online learning as a school choice for families. In order to do so, we are identified as an Independent Study school with the State of California. As a parent/guardian, you will receive a document informing you of this choice. The document will come from our staff in Student Support & Accountability. We will need you to sign this document acknowledging we are an Independent Study school.
- Our students will continue to connect daily with teachers via Zoom. Our teachers will deliver lessons in Reading, Writing, Math, Science, Social Studies and English Language Development. Students will have opportunities for VAPA/STEM, Student Clubs, small group instruction and we will offer optional in-person interventions as needed beginning in October.
What are the benefits of attending a virtual school?
- You are able to connect from anywhere in the world.
- Our scholars are able to enhance their 4 C's. Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, and Creativity.
- We layer in Computer Science Standards for all students.
- Flexibility for students and/or families that have health issues.
- Families are able to travel when needed because you are able to connect remotely where there is the internet. (just to name a few)
A warm welcome to...
During our Meet & Greet
During Meet & Greet, we are asking families to return last year's device and we will exchange immediately with the exception of our 1st graders.
TK & K will receive iPads at distribution unless they have one already checked out to them last year.
1st graders already have devices, no need to bring them in to exchange.
2nd graders will receive an iPad with a keyboard case. They will turn in their iPads from 1st grade.
3rd graders will receive a brand new Chromebook and case. They will turn in their iPads from 2nd grade.
4th-6th graders will receive brand new Chromebooks and cases. They will turn in their HP or Lenovo Chromebooks, which will go out to be cleaned. If they want to keep their current case, feel free.
*If you are new to South Bay Union School District, we will provide you with a device.
Student Celebrations
Classroom Reminders
- Please help protect our students by not sharing Zoom Links through Social Media.
- Cameras On - We ask that students are dressed and ready for class with cameras on throughout the lessons. This helps the teacher gauge if your child understands the information being delivered as well as if they need a stretch break.
- We are teaching best practices for students using our Computer Science Standards. Our first standard of focus and practice relates to Cybersecurity. Students will understand and be able to explain what passwords are and why we use them and use strong passwords to protect devices and information from unauthorized access.
- A password is either a word or phrase and uses several characters that include letters, numbers, symbols but not spaces. We will typically use 16 character phrase that the student will be able to create this year.
- A password is used to protect the device and personal information from hackers & malicious software.
- We do not openly share our passwords nor write them down where others have easy access.
- A strong password is has a mix of capital and lower case letters, a number and or symbol and is longer than one word. A phrase example of a strong password: IlovetheBeach!2021. (This has 2 capitals, lower case, symbol, numbers and is longer than 16 characters)
- A weak password is typically one word and is a single case. Sometimes people will use their name or personal identifying information that is easy to guess.
Changes in Meal Distribution
Meals will be available for pick up at the Virtual Academy campus, located at 525 3rd Street Imperial Beach, CA 91932. Meal service is a drive-through operation and we accept walk-ins. Please complete the Google form below to let us know your preferred day and time for pick up.
If you have any questions or concerns about the meal distribution, please contact either Michelle Syverson msyverson@sbusd.org or Mariel Origel at morigel@sbusd.org
additional information:
Update to Attendance
Beginning July 2021, ALL attendance items should be directed to Mariel Origel.
We start class at 8:30 am, students are considered tardy if arriving between 8:45 am and 9:00 am. We will begin calling families at 10:00 am if a student is not in class and/or if we haven't heard from families of the student that is absent.
To expedite reporting absences, we've created a Google Form located on our website under Our School - Contact Us - Attendance.
“If you need to report an absence, please complete the following form
and let the classroom teacher know within 24 hours of the absence.
Everyday Counts
Mariel Origel morigel@sbusd.org (Monday - Friday)”
First Day Welcome
Support
If you need assistance, please do not hesitate to call me at 619-207-8361 or 619-628-8900. If I don't answer, please leave a message I will call you back.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Syverson
SBUSD Virtual Academy Location & Social Media
Email: msyverson@sbusd.org
Website: https://sites.google.com/sbusd.net/sbusd-virtual-academy/home
Location: 525 3rd Street, Imperial Beach, CA, USA
Phone: 619-207-8361
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VAcademySbusd
Twitter: @VAcademySbusd
Upcoming Dates
Meet & Greet Teachers, pick up supplies
July 22nd
- 9am - 10 am 4th grade & 5th
- 10am - 11am 2nd grade
- 11am - 12pm TK & K
- 12:00pm - 1:30pm 6th grade
July 23rd (will update soon)
- 10am - 11am 1st grade
- 12pm - 1pm 3rd grade
July 26 First Day of School.
First Student Shout Out Celebration will be in August
Student Clubs will begin after our first Student Celebration
The office will be open 7/19, 7/20, 7/21, 7/22, 7/23 if you need assistance in completing your online school registration, connecting devices, access student platforms.