Montgomery Virtual Academy K-5 News
Week of October 4, 2021
Welcome to October!
Greetings Montgomery Virtual Academy Voyagers! Who can believe our first month of school is already behind us? As we head in this second month of school, our attention will be shifting from establishing routines, to running our routines and going deeper into the curriculum. I have been continually impressed by the can-do spirit of our staff and students, and love seeing the relationships beginning to form between students and their teachers. There are few things more powerful than great classroom relationships! Indeed, one popular quote among educators is, "No significant learning can occur without a significant relationship." James Comer. We also know that families are also thinking about how to promote more relationship building between students. Stay tuned for information in the coming weeks on how to become a parent volunteer so that you can support these efforts in your child's classroom! Together we can ensure every student feels connected with friends and classmates!
Thank you for your ongoing support on this amazing voyage! Let's make it great week of learning and a great week on purpose!
Mrs. Cassandra Heifetz
Dean
UPCOMING EVENTS
October 4- October 8: MAP testing continues
October 7- Meal Distribution (adjusted date)
October 8- Early Release at 12:55 PM
MEALS
Please note an important update for meal kit distribution this week for Virtual Academy Families.
Due to October 8TH, 2021 being an early release day, the distribution day has been changed to Thursday October 7TH, 2021.
Additionally, please use this link for meal kit distribution for Friday, October 15, 2021.
ACTION ITEMS
PTA Interest Form
We are seeking parents interested in starting our very first PTA! Please complete this brief interest survey if you are interested!https://forms.gle/uAbaWhseX2G62ZDN9
Parent/Guardian & Emergency Contact Information
It is very important that we have current contact information for each parent/guardian. This includes email, phone numbers, and mailing address. After activating your Synergy ParentVUE account, please be sure to review and update this information.
You may also contact one of our registrars, Ellen Dimond at Ellen_Dimond@mcpsmd.org for assistance with your ParentVUE code.
Parents/Guardians - Getting Started with ParentVUE https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ukuv45XQeE3h0LWv8I5rRee5Eo_e7dmlkifpwPZdvy0/edit?usp=sharing
FARMS Applications
All families are encouraged to complete an updated application for Free and Reduced Meals status. Complete it online here! https://www.myschoolapps.com/Application
MAP Testing
MAP Testing began on Tuesday, September 21, 2021 and runs through October 8. Detailed information was sent out on Friday, September 17. Below are a few reminders and the testing schedule for this week:
Please ensure that your student’s environment is free from distractions
Please remind your student to keep their camera on during the test
Please ensure your student completes the assessment by themselves
Please make sure technology is fully charged or plugged in
- If your child seems unsure or does not know the answer, please encourage them to just try their best and move onto the next question. They are not expected to know all the answers!
INFORMATION and RESOURCES
Reporting An Absence
The form to report an absence is now available on the MVA website in the Quick Links section. Below are links for your convenience!
MVA Website : https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/virtualacademy/
MVA Absence Form: https://forms.gle/29PFXunJxXBVreZ78
Supplies and Curriculum Materials
The MVA staff have been working to organize school supplies for students. We are still awaiting shipments of some classroom supplies and curriculum materials. We will announce dates and times for picking up materials after we have determined all items have arrived and are available. We apologize for the inconvenience and delay!
Community Tech Support
The community technical support phone line will remain open through September. Families who need tech support can call 240-740-7020 and leave a message, send an email to communitytechsupport@mcpsmd.org or submit a ticket via the Community Tech Support portal. A support guide for the portal is available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cczbhEXF7x3TBquSMQGUGsxIcqsm_BtG2KBBi_bA0_0/edit
MCPS Parent Academy To Go Virtual Workshops
https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/parentacademy/workshops.aspx
Reporting Bullying or Harassment
Bullying, harassment (including sexual misconduct and sexual harassment), intimidation, hazing, incidents of hate-bias, and concerning issues involving student gender identity are not tolerated in MCPS. We are committed to ensuring our students feel safe, valued, and respected in our schools. Please see the linked flyer for information on how to report an incident or seek help. https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/uploadedFiles/compliance/Ways%20To%20Report_School%20Flyer(1).pdf
COMING SOON!
- MCAP State Testing
- WIDA Model Testing
- Parent Volunteers
- PTA Membership
- Fall Fest celebrations
- Parent Teacher Conferences
IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING STUDENT PRIVACY GUIDELINES IN THE VIRTUAL ACADEMY
Student privacy in the Virtual Academy is a shared responsibility. Please read the linked letter regarding policies, protocols and digital security measures MCPS has established to protect student privacy online.
Student Privacy in the Virtual Academy for Online Learning.pdf
https://drive.google.com/file/d/15LOsY9GVtIWpHX50lublaS_aSiabQfvD/view?usp=sharing
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Food Giveaway Events this week:
https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/covid19/get- help/food.html#events
Health Care for the Uninsured (English): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FoOQWe-GVr6ljzHjIxYRcl5VxtdBQCHN/view?usp=sharing
Health Care for the Uninsured (Spanish):
https://drive.google.com/file/d/15Pss-kVuL1IDh7cG1o47PrF0ZWImn1GY/view?
Child Tax Credit Information (English): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fHEKdyK16Bhy3xJtpa18dwQb5amTEd7x/view?usp=sharing
Child Tax Credit Information (Spanish):
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LLObvYjnLCAQIvRHISSRC6dzEZdBYRsz/view?usp=sharing
Find us at...
Email: Cassandra.Heifetz@mcpsmd.net
Website: https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/virtualacademy/
Location: 15 West Gude Drive, Rockville, MD, USA
Phone: 240-740-6060
Twitter: @MVA_DeanHeifetz