IDVA COVID-19 Response & Support
Information and resources for IDVA students & families
Last updated 5/5/2020
Please bookmark this newsletter and check back often. It will be updated as we receive news and resources.
Table of Contents
- Frequently Asked Questions for IDVA
- Academic Support - Grades 6-12
- Emotional Support - All Grades
- Important COVID-19 Websites
- Idaho Community Resources - Click on button below
- Technology Resources
- K12 Resources
- Academic and Entertainment Resources for Families
FAQS for IDVA
Q. Is IDVA open? Is IDVA still holding school?
A. Yes, IDVA is open, and school is in session, as usual. The news media has made this more confusing than it should be. We have all seen plenty of reports noting that all schools are closed. As a virtual school, IDVA is not closed. The “soft closure” is only for physical school campuses. Many schools with physical campuses are now offering online, as well, and they are continuing to operate with students schooling from home. (posted 3/25/2020)
Q. Who do I contact if my student or their learning coach is unable to school because of a positive COVID-19 diagnosis?
A. Contact your Homeroom Teacher immediately, so they can facilitate a make-up plan with the rest of your student’s teachers. (posted 4/6/2020)
Q. We attended face to face support classes for our child with disabilities. I am relieved we will not be coming in, but are we going online with those?
A. We have been able to move many of our in-person services online. Teachers were contacting families as soon as spring break ended. If you have not yet talked with your student’s special education teacher about this, please, call him or her immediately to discuss plans. (posted 3/25/2020)
Q. So, as I understand correctly, the ISATs will be cancelled for 3rd-11th grade students? Will this affect in anyway the overall scoring of my child?
A. Yes, ISAT 2020 is cancelled by the state and federal accountability has been waived by the U.S. Department of Education. This will not affect overall scoring or grades for your child or for any student. (posted 3/25/2020)
Q. Any chance that we Learning Coaches could proctor our student’s ISAT from home?
A. We are administering at-home assessments using available comprehensive tests from the same site as ISAT, so parents, students, and schools can monitor student academic growth and plan for next school year. (posted 5/5/2020)
Q. Will my high school student be taking finals face to face in May as he usually does?
A. High school course final exams will be online this May. Students should watch for information from their teachers on this. (posted 3/25/2020)
Q. How will this affect dual enrolled high school students? My student is a senior and has all core classes with IDVA and electives with another school. If my student ends up not completing the electives with the other school what will happen?
A. The Idaho State Board of Education is monitoring graduation requirements during this crisis and may make further flexibility changes in the future. We will keep you updated. Please contact your student’s school counselor to discuss this. (posted 3/25/2020)
IDVA High School Counselors
Mark Rodel (Students with last names A-K) mrodel@idahova.org
Jessica Lecertua (Students with last names L-Z) jlecertua@idahova.org
Insight School of Idaho Counselor
Jesse Altsuler jaltsuler@idahova.org
Q. Will IDVA be holding face to face graduation ceremonies this year?
A. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, we have had to make the difficult decision to cancel our traditional, in-person ceremonies. While we know that this might be a disappointment, we want to assure you that our graduates will be honored! We are currently hard at work planning for a unique and memorable online graduation that celebrates each graduate and this very special occasion. IDVA’s Online Graduation ceremony will be held on May 21st at 3:30 pm PST/4:30 pm MST. (posted 4/6/2020)
Q. Who do I contact if my student or their learning coach is unable to school because of a positive COVID-19 diagnosis?
A. Contact your Homeroom Teacher immediately, so they can facilitate a make-up plan with the rest of your student’s teachers. (posted 4/6/2020)
Q. Is the Spring Idaho Reading Indicator (IRI) assessment for K-3rd grade students canceled?
A. The IRI is a state statutory requirement, and cancelation requires an executive order from the Governor. The Idaho State Board of Education approved giving the Governor the power to use his executive power to do this. However, on April 22nd, the State Department of Education noted that he is not going to do that. They also noted that they understand face to face administration of the IRI will, likely, not be possible. They have worked with the IRI software company to make the Spring IRI available through the student’s Istation account, and they will be taking IRI from home this spring. Please watch for information from your student’s teacher about IRI. (posted 4/22/2020)
Q. Is the state Civics Exam graduation requirement waived for graduating seniors this year?
A. No. The Civics Exam is a state statutory requirement and cancelation requires an executive order from the Governor. The Idaho State Board of Education approved giving the Governor the power to use his executive power to do this. However, the State Department of Education noted that he is not going to do that. (posted 4/22/2020)
IDVA Academic Support
For Students and Learning Coaches in Grades 6-12
If you have questions or need help, please contact Andrea Wells by email or phone at awells@idahova.org or 208-954-3185
Emotional Wellbeing Support
7 Ways to Support Kids and Teens Through the Coronavirus Pandemic
Important COVID-19 Websites
Community Resources
Idaho COVID-19 Hotline
Brought to you by the Idaho Department of Health & Welfare, Division of Behavioral Health
When you’re isolated at home, feelings of anxiety, loneliness, or worry may become overwhelming. Experiencing these feeling is common during times of heightened stress.
Don’t be afraid to reach out. We’re here to help!
The Department of Health and Welfare has opened a COVID-19 Behavioral Health Distress Line.
IDAHO COVID-19 HOTLINE
1-888-330-3010
We offer anonymous and confidential assistance for all, no matter your situation. If you are experiencing any type of distress from feeling overwhelmed or isolated, a mental health challenge, substance use disorder, or if you are seeking resources during this difficult time, please reach out!
We have trained professionals ready and available to talk with you and assist you in accessing the mental health and substance use disorder services you need.
More Resources for Idaho Residents:
Idaho Care Line: Call 2-1-1 or visit www.211.idaho.gov
Idaho Suicide Prevention Hotline: Call 2-1-1 or 208-398-4357
Optum Idaho Member Crisis Line: Call 855-202-0973
Idaho 2-1-1 Careline
Search from over 11,000 resources to find free or low cost services or resources near you, including rental assistance, energy assistance, medical assistance, food and clothing, child care resources, emergency shelter, and more.
Technology Resources
Sparklight Offers Low Cost Internet
Sparklight® Offers Low Cost Internet to Assist Families in Need During Coronavirus (COVID-19) Crisis. Click here for more information.
More Technology Resources
The Federal Communications Commission has released an agreement stating providers will waive late fees, not cut off service for lack of payment, and open hot-spots.
- Comcast is offering an internet essentials package for free. To sign up for a free internet essentials package for 60 days, applicants can simply visit www.internetessentials.com. The accessible website also includes the option to video chat with customer service agents in American Sign Language. There are also two dedicated phone numbers 1-855-846-8376 for English and 1-855-765-6995 for Spanish.
- Spectrum is offering free internet access for students. Beginning March 16, Spectrum is offering free internet for 60 days to households with K-12 or college students who don’t already have a Spectrum subscription. To enroll, call 1-844-488-8395.
- AT&T will offer open hot-spots, unlimited data to existing customers, and $10/month plans to low-income families.
- Verizon does have special offers, but is following the FCC agreement.
- Sprint is following the FCC agreement, providing unlimited data to existing customers, and, starting Tuesday, 3/17/2020, will allow all handsets to enable hot spots for 60 days at no extra charge.
- T-Mobile is following the FCC agreement, plus unlimited data to existing customers, and, coming soon, will allow all handsets to enable hot-spots for 60 days at no extra charge.
K12 Resources
Big Universe & Stride
Idaho Virtual Academy students have access to the Big Universe library of 17,000 digital books and Stride, a personalized, digital, game-based learning program, and now all students have free access, as well! We hope your children enrolled with IDVA, your children enrolled in another school, and your friend’s, family’s and neighbor’s children will enjoy and learn with these programs. Please feel free to share!
Destinations Career Academy Summer School - Grades 9-11
Summer is a great time to explore careers that interest you—especially if your school doesn't offer career exploration courses. Students entering grades 9–11 in the fall of 2020 can attend Destinations Career Academy's tuition-free online summer school and earn credit while exploring one of these high-demand career fields:
- Business and Marketing
- Healthcare
- Information Technology
Students can begin their online course on June 24, 2020, and must complete the course by July 22, 2020, to receive high school elective credit.
Learn more about our tuition-free online summer school programs.
Destinations Career Academy - Summer Coding Bootcamps
This summer, you can learn video game design and programming and build your own virtual reality world—as well as participate in an eSports tournament! Students entering grades 8–11 in the fall of 2020 can attend the summer coding programs at Destinations Career Academy tuition-free. The two-week summer online coding bootcamps are:
- Video Game Design and Programing (June 15–June 25, 2020)
- Virtual Reality (July 6–July 16, 2020)
Learn more about Destinations Career Academy's tuition-free online summer coding programs.
Free Academic & Entertainment Resources
All Ages:
Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems, daily at 11am MT
Virtual Museum Tours & Exhibits
Story Time from Space
WorldBook for Kids
Read, Write, and Draw with authors and illustrators
Daily Learning Projects Pre-K - Grade 9
Movement and Mindfulness with GoNoodle
Just for Kids: A Comic Exploring the New Coronavirus
Giant List of Authors and Illustrators Doing Video Story Times!
Zoos and Aquariums Live Webcams
Wildlife Live Webcams
Audible Stories for Free
STEM Action Center Resources
Free Digital Library from Time for Kids
Legends of Learning - Free Learning Platform for Math and Science
Teens:
Websites for Teen Writers
Daily Writing Prompt
Livestreamed Concerts
Netflix Party
How to Hang Out with Your Friends on Zoom
Program Interactive Stories and Games with Scratch
Zippia: A Guide for High Schoolers to Navigate the Job Market During Coronavirus
Learning Coaches/Parents/Guardians:
(webinars, Facebook Live to support learning coaches and parents)
Sesame Street: We Have the Moves! Physical Activity Resources
Mental Health Resources for Kids and Families
STEM Lesson Plans and Activities for PreK - Teens
PBS for Parents: Daily Activities Newsletter
Fun Family Dinner Conversation Starters
Learning at Home: a huge list of resources from Reading Rockets
How to Work from Home with Kids (World Economic Forum)
How to Talk with Children about COVID-19 (CDC)
Teaching Children about the Coronavirus (Scholastic)
Free Virtual Museum Tours
FREE LIVE VIRTUAL PROGRAM - Smithsonian National Museum Tour – “Hall of Fossils”
Friday, May 01, 2020
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
The British Museum, London
The iconic museum (https://www.britishmuseum.org/) founded in 1753 says it will continue to add to its digital library while the institution remains closed until further notice. “We'll share our collections, research and programmes in new ways that will not require a trip to the Museum,” the museum wrote on their website.
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City
In honor of its 150th anniversary, the MET is currently offering a handful of online exhibits and is encouraging people to follow their social media channels. “We're surfacing our greatest hits and hidden treasures on social media with #MetAnywhere," the museum wrote on its website.
Louvre Museum, Paris
This Parisian museum currently offers three virtual tours which include Egyptian Antiquities, the remains of the Louvre’s Moat, originally built as a fortress by king Philippe Auguste, and the Galerie d’Apollon, known for its collection of paintings, sculptures and its high-vaulted ceiling.
Vatican Museums, Rome
The museum’s website offers 360-degree virtual tours of the massive collection that resides within the Vatican’s many galleries.
State Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg
Earlier this month, Apple released a promotional video of a five-hour, one-take walk-through of Russia’s iconic Hermitage Museum. The video boasts “45 galleries, 588 masterpieces, and live performances, shot in 4K.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49YeFsx1rIw#action=share
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York
The iconic New York City building designed by Frank Lloyd Wright has offered much of its collection online as well as a VR tour that pairs with the museum’s audio guides.
“With digital tools, people around the world can experience the Guggenheim’s architecture and art, right down to the echoing sounds of visitors’ voices,” the museum wrote on its website.
The National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Located in the National Mall, a variety of virtual exhibitions, lectures and audio tours are available on the gallery’s website.
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C.
The museum offers a 360-degree walking tour of all of its exhibits, including the Hall of Mammals, Insect Zoo and Dinosaurs and Hall of Paleobiology.
National Women’s History Museum, Alexandria, Virginia
Dedicated to honoring the history of women who have shaped the world, the National Women’s History Museum offers a variety of online lectures, exhibits from “Women in the Olympics,” and a visual history of Harriet Tubman.
Anne Frank House, Amsterdam
The museum dedicated to Anne Frank’s life launched a virtual reality tour.