The Howl
IDVA & ISID Newsletter - April 2020
Newsletter Table of Contents
ALL SCHOOL:
- May Virtual Event - IDVA & ISID Talent Show
- IDVA COVID-19 Response & Support
- IDVA 2020/2021 School Calendar
- Love and Logic Course for Parents
- Counselor Connection Sessions - All Grades
- IDVA Board Meetings
- Human Rights Art Contest
- K12 App
- Feeling Overwhelmed? IDVA Help Request
- K12 National Clubs
- NCAA and IDVA
- Past Issues of the The HOWL, School Year 2019-20
- Technical Tips Library
K-5 SCHOOL:
- Message from K-5 Principal
- Spring Assessments 2nd-5th Grades
- 5th Grade and the Transition to Middle School
- K-5th Grade Social Emotional Learning Resources -Feedback Requested
- National Poetry Month
6-12 SCHOOL:
- Message from 6-12 Team
- Online Graduation Ceremony
- College Scavenger Hunt
- Meet Your School Counselors
- D.L. Evans Education Pays Program
- Friday Fast Facts
- IDVA and ISID Scholarships
- Invitation New Counselor Series - Social Emotional Learning
- IDVA College and Career Website
- U.S. Selective Service System
ALL SCHOOL
Virtual Event Day
Friday, May 8, 2020
IDVA & ISID Talent Show - Calling all Performers!
WHAT'S YOUR TALENT?
Do you play an instrument? Sing? Create art? Or, have a different talent? Any talent is AMAZING and WE WANT TO SEE IT!
At the IDVA talent show, you can choose to perform your talent live on camera, or send us a video of your performance and we will share for you. Please keep your talent presentation to approximately 2 minutes in length.
You will receive an approval email once your application is reviewed. If you are planning to provide a video or picture of your talent, please upload it to Google drive and send the link of the Google upload to Lisa Stein, lstein@idahova.org. If you do not send a picture or video, you will be introduced live at the Talent Show to perform your talent.
Please join us for the first ever IDVA TALENT SHOW!
FRIDAY, MAY 8th!!
Grades K-5
Friday, May 8th
10:00-11:00 am MT/9:00 am-10:00 am PT
Click HERE to join the K-5 Zoom Session
Grades 6-8
Friday, May 8th
12:00-1:00 pm MT/11:00 am-12:00 pm PT
Click HERE to join the 6-8 Zoom Session
Grades 9-12
Friday, May 8th
2:00-3:00 pm MT/1:00-2:00 pm PT
Click HERE to join the 9-12 Zoom Session
IDVA 2020/2021 School Calendar
To view IDVA's 2020/2021 School Calendar, please, use this link to Download the 2020-2021 Academic Calendar [PDF].
Love and Logic Course for Parents During the Month of April
Used by parents, educators, and other professionals worldwide for over 40 years, Love and Logic is a research-based philosophy designed to help adults develop respectful and healthy relationships with children.
For the month of April only, the Love and Logic Parenting Online course is completely free (regularly $99)! This course contains six one-hour modules of instruction designed to help you to raise happy, resilient, and responsible kids. Click here for more information.
Counselor Connection Sessions - All Grades
IDVA school counselors are offering safe, nonjudgmental connection sessions to provide students an opportunity to discuss their thoughts around the recent happenings related to social distancing, quarantine, or isolation during the infectious disease outbreak. You will see the sessions in your Class Connect schedule.
All are welcome!
Grades K-5
When: Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Time: 1-2 pm MT/12-1 pm PT
Where: Class Connect
Grades 6-8
When: Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Time: 2-3 pm MT/1-2 PT
Where: Class Connect
Grades 9-12
When: Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Time: 1-2 pm MT/12-1 pm MT
Where: Class Connect
IDVA Board Meetings
The Idaho Virtual Academy Board of Directors holds a meeting the second Tuesday of each month at 7 pm Mountain Time August through June. The public is welcome to join these meetings.
IDVA Board Meeting BBC link: http://tinyurl.com/IDVABoard
Human Rights Art Contest (Grades K-12)
“Human rights and the arts go together because of the expressive nature of both subjects.” - The University of Alabama – Institute for Human Rights
Encourage your children or students to enter an original art piece in the Center's 20th annual Human Rights Art Contest (K-12). To participate, students must reflect on any or all aspects of the Spiral of Injustice and explore these concepts in an original work of art. Students might consider how one of the following quotes etched in the stone of the Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial relates to interrupting the Spiral of Injustice.
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead
"Be the change you want to see in the world." - Mahatma Gandhi
Entries must be submitted online or onsite no later than Friday, April 24.
For more detail, visit the Wassmuth Center for Human Rights.
K12 App
It’s time to start thinking about next school year, and the K12 app can help!
The K12 app is a great resource for parents and legal guardians of IDVA students. The K12 app gives you the power to track your student's progress,* view their schedule,* and access relevant and up-to-date information.
This year the K12 app also allows you to choose your student’s registration status, making it simpler than ever to let us know your plans for next year! Download the K12 app today!
*This feature is currently available for all MS and HS families, and many elementary families as well. We are working to make this feature available to all families during the 2019–2020 school year.
Feeling Overwhelmed?
Are you or your student struggling to keep up with school, have questions, or need help?
Please click HERE to submit your name and contact information. We will call you right away!
K12 National Clubs
School is in session! We've been busy lining up our list of K12 National Clubs and can't wait for you to sign up for the ones that interest you.
IMPORTANT things to keep in mind as you choose your club(s):
- Clubs meet from late September through early May.
- Club meetings are one hour long, and meeting times vary depending on the club and your time zone.
- Please select no more than four clubs.
- Allow two to three weeks for your sign-up details to be processed.
- Once your club registration has been processed, you'll receive an email from your club teacher, and club meetings will appear on your Class Connect schedule.
- Email reminders will be sent one week prior to club meetings.
- Email clubs@k12.com with questions regarding K12 National Clubs.
To join a club or attend a meeting, first choose a category below.
Clubs offered for Kindergarten – 3rd Grade
Clubs offered for 4th – 5th Grade
NCAA and IDVA
If your student is interested in pursuing college athletics, please, be aware that the NCAA has all K12 schools on “extended review” status. IDVA is a K12 school so is on extended review status with the NCAA. Students graduating from a K12 school applying for NCAA eligibility will be denied currently. After they are denied, they can work with the college Athletic Director to gain a waiver. K12 has helped students through this process and has noted that about 75% of these students do get the waivers.
If you have questions or would like more information, please contact your school counselor.
Past Issues of The HOWL
Technical Tips Library
K-5 SCHOOL
A Note from the Principal
Hello elementary families!
I am happy to report we made it through the first month back to school since being highly affected by the COVID-19 outbreak and stay at home order. Although it has, undoubtedly, been a challenge for you, your student, and our staff; your perseverance and commitment to continued education is to be commended.
At IDVA we understand daily life still feels uncertain and there is little that seems normal in homes and school routines. We are committed to continuing to support our students with maintaining as much normalcy in their school day as possible. Please do not hesitate to reach out to your homeroom teacher with any questions or concerns you might have during this time.
As always, thank you for your commitment to learning and partnering with us.
Ms. Keri Brown
IDVA K5 Principal
State and School Testing for 2nd-5th Grade Students
The state of Idaho has cancelled ISAT testing for the school year. At the beginning of the year, we set up your student’s online school schedule to provide two full days off from lessons to compensate for the two days that would have been spent at face-to-face ISAT testing this spring.
Those dates are:
- Friday, April 17th
- Friday, April 24th
Although students will not be attending state testing, IDVA wants to ensure we are measuring student growth for this school year using our school-based assessments. Students will participate in the following assessments:
April 17: ELA ISAT Interim Comprehensive Assessment (3rd-5th Grade)
This assessment will be given online at home. Teachers will proctor, monitor the assessment, and communicate via email and phone.
May 4-5: Math MAP Assessment (2nd-5th Grade)
Your student will be scheduled to attend on one of these two days to complete the math assessment online. Students will have a Class Connect Session scheduled in their OLS and will join the session to complete the assessment.
May 6-7: Reading MAP Assessment (3rd-5th Grade)
Your student will be scheduled to attend on one of these two days to complete the reading assessment online. Students will have a Class Connect Session scheduled in their OLS and will join the session to complete the assessment.
Please note, you can use the April 17th and April 24th non-OLS lesson days to make up or work ahead in courses due to these scheduled assessments.
If you have any questions regarding testing, please contact your homeroom teacher.
5th Grade Students and Transition to Middle School
It is a very exciting time for 5th grade students as they prepare to transition to IDVA’s Middle School. Amongst the excitement, uncertainty may also arise for both students and learning coaches with the change. We know you likely have questions about this transition. The student leadership committee invites you to the following session to preview middle school:
Kickstart to 6th Grade
April 28th and 30th at 2:30 MT/1:30 PT
Choose the session that works best for you.
The content in each session will be the same.
Please mark your calendar and plan to attend one of the two scheduled sessions to ensure both you and your 5th grade student have a strong start to middle school for the 2020-21 school year.
Additional information will be sent to you within the week.
K-5th Grade Social Emotional Learning Resources
IDVA elementary families now have access to the power points and links discussed during the recent social-emotional focused learning coach sessions. Please CLICK HERE to visit the resource site.
Please take a moment to offer feedback regarding the Learning Coach Support sessions I have facilitated this year. My goal is to create sessions as relevant for you and your students as is possible. Please CLICK HERE to complete the survey.
Thank you,
Ms. Jana Mansfield
School Social Worker
K-5 Reading Tips
National Poetry Month
April is national poetry month, a celebration of poetry! This is a great way to increase awareness and appreciation of poetry in the United States. Take the time this month to recognize poetry with your student.
For fun ideas and resources go to https://www.poets.org/national-poetry-month/30-ways-celebrate-national-poetry-month and Reading Rockets at http://www.readingrockets.org/calendar/poetry
6-12 SCHOOL
Message from Your 6-12 Team
Hello IDVA 6-12 Families,
Happy Spring! The change of seasons is a welcome break from the monotonous winter months. Just a few weeks ago, we had a spring day that showed us every type of weather … and an earthquake!
Last month we talked about keeping a schedule and consistent learning opportunities for your student, despite the many different effects that COVID-19 has had on your family. We know this has been a difficult time for so many families. Thanks to each of you who have reached out for continued to discussion on how we can best support your student during this time. You are all doing great!
The month of May will bring several opportunities for assessing knowledge and growth of your student. Please watch the announcements and email so your student does not miss out on these important tasks.
- Week of May 4th – ISAT Comprehensive Assessment for students in 6th-10th grade. This will be done at home in an online classroom. The test gives you an indication of your student’s mastery of learning.
- Week of May 11th – MAP testing for students in 6th-11th grade. This will be done at home in an online classroom. MAP testing in math and reading will identify the amount of growth your student has made this school year.
- May 13th and 14th – Online finals for seniors
- May 27th and 28th – Online finals for high school students
Our seniors can see their graduation finish line just a few weeks away, and we are so pleased with how our virtual graduation is taking shape. We are excited to showcase the hard work and diligence of each graduating student!
As we complete this last quarter of school, remember to:
- Establish and maintain a consistent school routine.
- Be sure to check in via email or by phone with your teachers and advisor.
- Communicate issues with teachers, counselors, and/or administrators.
- Stay positive. We are all in this together!
Continue to practice social distancing and stay safe, everyone!
Take care!
Go Wolves!
6-12 IDVA Staff
IDVA Online Graduation Ceremony
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.
Please mark your calendars for IDVA’s Grand Online Graduation ceremony on May 21st at 4:30 pm MT/3:30 pm PT! Let your family and friends know so they, too, can attend from anywhere in the nation or across the globe virtually!
Please see our Online Graduation Planning Guide for more information.
College Scavenger Hunt
The students did a fantastic job with this challenge! We received over 40 entries about colleges and universities across the U.S. Be sure to stop by the Padlet to view their excellent work. Try to find the schools that match the clues below...
- This campus has over 300 different tree species.
- This school has an annual Harry Potter themed dinner in their Hogwarts look-alike dining hall.
- This university was founded by Thomas Jefferson.
- This university has a tradition called "Dr. Pepper Hour" where they have Dr. Pepper floats.
(Answers: 1. University of New Mexico, 2. University of Notre Dame, 3. University of Virginia, 4. Baylor University)
IDVA School Counselors
D.L. Evans Education Pays Program (Grades 6-12)
D.L. Evans Bank is very proud to support the education of today’s youth. We recognize and reward extraordinary students for their efforts. Every July, D.L. Evans Bank's Education Pays program rewards seven students with laptops for excelling in their core classes. All students must meet the same criteria to enter into the drawing.
Students, grades 6th-12th, can submit an entry form for each "A" they receive in a core class each semester or trimester. To enter, simply bring your report card to the closest D.L. Evans Bank branch and receive an entry for each "A" in a core class.
This is just one way D.L. Evans Bank shows our commitment and support to youth and their education!
Please contact us for further details.
Friday Fast Facts
Please check out the library of helpful Friday Fast Facts videos by Mrs. Wells, High School Master Teacher.
Friday Fast Fact Episodes:
Dismissing and Restoring Announcements
IDVA and ISID Scholarships
IDVA High Achievement Scholarship:
- One award at $2,500
IDVA Academic Excellence Scholarship:
- One award at $2,100
IDVA Janet Aikele Excellence in Online Learning Scholarship:
- Four awards at $1,000
IDVA Odyssey Scholarship :
- Five awards at $1,500
IDVA First Generation Scholarship:
- One award at $1,200
IDVA Career and Technical Education Scholarship:
- One award at $1,200
Insight of Idaho School Scholarship:
- One award at $1,500
Only one scholarship will be awarded to an individual student.
Application Deadline: April 24, 2020
New Counselor Series - You are invited!
IDVA College and Career Website
Please check out IDVA's College and Career website for great resources about advanced opportunities, college, careers, military, and much more!
U.S. Selective Service
Attention all 17 and 18 year old young men:
Remember that when you turn 18, the law says you must register for the Selective Service.
Those who fail to register may be denied student loans, government jobs, and a driver's license in most states. In addition, if you are a male immigrant seeking to become a citizen, you must also be registered, regardless of your immigration status.
Click here to visit the U.S. Selective Service website.
Have a Question?
Have questions about your classes or our Idaho Virtual Academy school? Ask your IDVA teacher or staff.
Have technology questions? Ask K12 Customer Support.