The Howl
IDVA Newsletter - December 2019
Newsletter Table of Contents
ALL SCHOOL:
- December Statewide Events - You Are Invited!
- December Event Day - Spirit Challenge
- December Event Day - Winter Food Drive
- Gingerbread House Competition
- November Events Slideshow
- Tell Us About School & Win a Prize
- The Resource Corner: The Idaho CareLine
- Feeling Overwhelmed? IDVA Help Request
- Four Studying Methods to Help Kids Focus
- Idaho 5th & 6th Graders: Ski and Snowboard Passport
- NCAA and IDVA
- Technical Tips Library
K-5 SCHOOL:
- Message from K-5 Team
- Mid-Year Assessments
- Learning Coach Tip
- K-5 Reading Tip
6-12 SCHOOL:
- Message from 6-12 Team
- Friday Fast Facts
- IDVA and ISID Scholarships
- Teacher Spotlight: Mrs. Percifield
- Student Spotlight: Ta'Jah
- What is AVID?
- Teenagers and Online Gaming
- Invitation New Counselor Series - Social Emotional Learning
- IDVA Class of 2020 Graduation Planning Guide
- IDVA Ski Days
- IDVA College and Career Website
- U.S. Selective Service System
ALL SCHOOL
STATEWIDE EVENT DAY
Friday, December 13, 2019
IMPORTANT EVENT REMINDERS
- All are welcome. Remember, per IDVA policy, all students must have a parent/guardian with them at all times during school events.
- Please pay in advance or bring exact cash for admission.
- There are no classes scheduled on event days.
- All events are optional.
- Please note that IDVA may cancel events due to extreme weather and road conditions.
- Photo Disclaimer: Please understand that photos may be taken and could be used by K12 and/or Idaho Virtual Academy. If you would not like your or your child’s picture taken, please let an IDVA staff member know at the event.
We want all students to have the opportunity to join an event. If cost is keeping you from being able to join, please email Lisa Stein lstein@idahova.org.
Treasure Valley
What: Ice Skating
Where: Ice World
Address: 7072 S. Eisenman Rd., Boise
Cost: $6.00 per skater. Skates included.
Check-in: 9:30 am MT
Start Time: 10:00 am MT
End Time: 12:00 pm MT
RSVP: Click here to sign-up.
Note: For comfort, please wear calf high socks, gloves & warm clothing.
Advance Pay (optional): Click here to pay with a credit card.
*****
Magic Valley - Rupert
What: Ice Skating
Where: Rupert Ice Skating Rink (outside rink)
Address: 610 Fremont Ave., Rupert
Cost: $5.00 per skater. Skates & hot chocolate included.
Check-in: 1:00 pm MT
Start Time: 1:30 pm MT
End Time: 3:00 pm MT
RSVP: Click here to sign-up.
Note: For comfort, please wear calf high socks, gloves & warm clothing.
Advance Pay (optional): Click here to pay with a credit card.
*****
North Idaho - CDA
What: Ice Skating
Where: Frontier Ice Arena
Address: 3525 W. Seltice Way, CDA
Cost: $4.00 per skater. Skates included.
Check-in: 10:00 am PT
Start Time: 10:30 am PT
End Time: 12:30 pm PT
RSVP: Click here to sign-up.
Note: For comfort, please wear calf high socks, gloves & warm clothing.
Advance Pay (optional): Click here to pay with a credit card.
*****
Moscow/Lewiston
What: Ice Skating
Where: Palouse Ice Rink
Address: 1021 Harold St., Moscow
Cost: $5.00 per skater. Skates included.
Check-in: 10:30 am PT
Start Time: 11:00 am PT
End Time: 12:00 pm PT
RSVP: Click here to sign-up.
Note: For comfort, please wear calf high socks, gloves & warm clothing.
Advance Pay (optional): Click here to pay with a credit card.
*****
SE Idaho - Pocatello
What: Roller Skating
Where: Deleta Skating
Address: 520 Yellowstone Ave., Pocatello
Cost: $4.00 per skater. Skates included.
Check-in: 10:00 am MT
Start Time: 10:15 am MT
End Time: 12:15 pm MT
RSVP: Click here to sign-up.
Advance Pay (optional): Click here to pay with a credit card.
*****
Preston
What: Gingerbread House Activity
Where: Franklin County Extension Office
Address: 561 W. Oneida St., Preston
Cost: FREE
Start Time: 10:30 am MT
End Time: 11:30 pm MT
RSVP: Click here to sign-up.
Note: Please bring a bag of candy or other decorating items to share.
*****
EVENT DAY WINTER SPIRIT CONTEST
Which IDVA Event Day area has the most WINTER SPIRIT?
Let’s find out!
Rules and Guidelines!
Wear your most festive or your most tacky winter/holiday clothing (sweater, sweatshirt, t-shirt) to the IDVA event day on Friday, December 13th in order to participate! Learning coaches and other family members attending are encouraged to dress up, too!
To qualify, the clothing must have something related to winter or the upcoming holidays on it! (A shirt with a snowman on it or a sweater with deer and trees on it would both work great!)
The percentage of people dressed up for the event will be calculated at sign-in and all participants will join in a group photo!
The area with the most winter spirit will be announced at the December school assembly!
IDVA Event Day Winter Food Drive
Where:
Local Area IDVA Event Day Locations
When:
December 13, 2019
What:
Non-Perishable Items Only
Such as: canned fruits and vegetables, canned soups and pasta sauces, whole grain pastas, regular and instant rice, cereals, cooking oils, dried herbs, spices and peanut butter.
How:
Just bring an item with you to the event and IDVA Leadership and AVID students will have collection bins ready for your donation!
IDVA Gingerbread Competition 2019
Brought to you by the IDVA Student Leadership Class
Please see challenge details below.
Choose Your Category:
Choose one of the TWO options below for your gingerbread creation.
The Twist: Your creation MUST relate to a concept you have learned in school this year!
Baked Gingerbread:
Using a gingerbread recipe or store-bought gingerbread, create a gingerbread man or house and incorporate a theme related to school subjects. It can be anything from a gingerbread White House to a gingerbread greenhouse. Make it your own!
Gingerbread Person Art:
If you are looking for something a little simpler, this category is the one for you! Paint, draw, or digitally create a gingerbread person in a landscape that relates to a concept you learned this year. The gingerbread person can be doing an act of kindness or meeting the famous writer Shakespeare. Get creative!
Write:
A short, typed description of your gingerbread project and how it is related to a concept you learned this year. Include your name, grade, and project category.
To Submit Your Entry:
Take a picture of your gingerbread project. Click here to open the Padlet. Upload your picture and the description of your project.
Timeline:
- Nov. 25 - Dec. 12th: Plan, create, and write about your gingerbread creations.
- On or before Dec. 13th at 5:00 pm: All entries added to Padlet with paragraph description of how your creation relates to a concept learned this year!
- Dec. 16th: Winners announced at the 6-12 School Assembly – 3:00 MST. See you there!
November Statewide Events Slideshow
On Friday, November 8th, students and families came together at six locations across the state for some bowling fun and connection. Check out the event photo slideshow of the action! Thank you to those who attended!
We hope everyone will join us at the December events on Friday, December 13th!
Students: Attend school, tell us about your week, and you could win an Amazon gift card!
IDVA will be holding a drawing for one $25 Amazon gift card per grade level (K-12).
How can I get into the drawing, you ask? For each week of school a student meets IDVA’s attendance policy (attend classes and complete assigned lessons, assignments, and assessments), he or she will earn one ticket for the drawing. Students can earn up to one ticket per week for a total of 4 tickets. Students may submit entries at the end of each of the following school weeks:
- the week of December 2nd
- the week of December 9th
- the week of December 16th
- the week of January 6th
To submit your entry, just click the link below and fill out the short survey at the end of each week you have met attendance expectations. You will have until Wednesday, January 15th to submit your entries, and the drawing will be held January 16th.
Click here for the Celebration of Learning Weekly Survey link.
Our drawing will be held January 16th. Winners will be notified quickly and announced in the February edition of The Howl.
Hello wonderful IDVA families,
Thank you for taking a moment to check out The Resource Corner. This month, I’d like to highlight a resource benefitting community members across the state of Idaho: the 2-1-1 Idaho CareLine. Be sure to click on the links below to check out the 2-1-1 web site.
The Idaho CareLine is a resource referral line administered through the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. Any person can dial 2-1-1 and be connected to a CareLine representative who can help identify resources based on specific needs a family may have. Additionally, if you prefer to skip making a phone call, the CareLine offers a searchable online database of statewide resources called “Community OS.”
The CareLine also administers the Resource and Service Navigation program. Navigation assists families with minor children in the home who are in need of a temporary assistance with paying utility bills, assistance with rent and/or deposits to obtain housing, and other basic needs. To request assistance from the Navigation program, call 2-1-1 and request a referral to the program. A Navigator will receive the message and get back with you.
If you are in need of any community resources, or know someone who is, give 2-1-1 a call.
Bonus Material: Downloadable Resource Guides by County
In closing, I’d like to share some additional links to resource guides I located online. At this point, this is not an exhaustive list and I’ll continue to add to it as I locate resources lists from other areas of our beautiful state.
Statewide:
https://www.communityresourcesidaho.org/district-1-resources
Idaho Public Utilities - statewide list of organizations that help with utility payments
By County:
Ada and Canyon County - Self Rescue Manual
Kootenai County and Coeur d’Alane and surrounding area
Jana Mansfield, LMSW
IDVA School Social Worker
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!
Four Studying Methods to Help Kids Focus
With television, video games, and the great outdoors all calling for children’s attention, it can be difficult for them to put their heads down and focus on their studies. But you needn’t despair if your kids are easily distracted. These creative methods can help them concentrate on the study they need to reach their academic potential.
Click here to read more.
Idaho 5th & 6th Graders Peak Season Ski/Snowboard Passport
Idaho is gearing up for ski and snowboard season. 5th and 6th graders have a great opportunity to join in on the fun! Visit https://www.skiidaho.us/passports/ to get your 5th or 6th grader’s Peak Season Passport for a one time processing fee of just $18. This passport will allow your Idaho 5th grader three free days at each of 18 participating resorts and your Idaho 6th grader two free days at each of 17 participating resorts!
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.
Technical Tips Library
K-5 SCHOOL
Happy Holidays from your K-5 Team
As we approach the holiday break and reflect upon the first months of school, there is much to be celebrated! Our K-5 students have been working hard as is evident in over 90% of all students on track in their math and ELA online school courses. Our live class attendance rates are outstanding and student engagement in class is wonderful! We continue to see academic growth and appreciate partnering with you to ensure the best educational experience for your child.
The K-5 team would like to wish you a safe and blessed holiday season. School breaks from December 23rd – January 3rd. School Resumes on Monday, January 6th.
The Online School will be accessible during the break if you would like or need to access your student’s courses.
We look forward to seeing you back in the New Year!
Mid-year Map Growth Testing
Please mark your calendars for our all school Map Growth Assessment for students in 2nd – 5th grades on January 7th and 8th. You might recall your student completing this assessment back in September. Completing a mid-year assessment is one way to support measuring academic growth. We can see where your student started this school year in math and reading skills and how much growth they have made. This information is extremely helpful for teachers, learning coaches and students.
2nd-5th grade students will complete the math assessment on Tuesday, January 7th in place of the Online School Math Lesson.
3rd-5th grade students will complete the reading assessment on Wednesday, January 8th in place of their Online School ELA Lesson.
The testing will take place in Class Connect. The session invites will be added to your student’s schedule the week of Dec. 16th. Then, when students return from the holiday break in January, they will join teachers to complete these assessments.
Thank you in advance for planning to have your student join the testing sessions.
Learning Coach Tip - Why is Math Different Now?
Dr. Raj Shah explains why math is taught differently than it was in the past and helps address parents' misconceptions about the new math.
Dr. Shah is the owner and founder of Math Plus Academy an academic enrichment program with two locations in Columbus, Ohio. Math Plus Academy offers classes in math, robotics, programming and chess for kids from kindergarten to 9th grade. Math Plus Academy is on a mission to show kids the joy of mathematics and science. Click on this link to watch a 9 minute video explanation.
K-5 Reading Tips
6-12 SCHOOL
Message from Your 6-12 Team
Hello IDVA 6-12 Families,
It is hard to believe we are approaching the holiday season. We have a lot to celebrate and be thankful for. Students have been hard at work in their online course curriculum and have been experiencing great learning there and in their live class connect sessions. As we collaborate with one another it’s fun to observe students highly engaged in collaborative discussions, problem-solving challenges, active reading, thoughtful writing, and much more. We hope you are seeing the same as you support your student’s learning at home.
We will break for Thanksgiving on Wednesday, November 27th – Friday, November 29th.
School will resume:
IDVA MS and HS: Monday, December 2, 2019
ISID MS and HS: Tuesday, December 3, 2019
As we head towards the end of the next term, it is imperative that we all stay in communication with how students are progressing and engaging in their courses. Time on learning matters and makes a significant difference on student learning and social-emotional development. As you can imagine, multiple absences and tardiness create significant learning gaps, making it increasingly difficult for a child to keep up with the class routines and curriculum.
Please visit the OMHS daily and review the gradebook in each course to help keep your student on track and accountable. Please accept our communications so we can partner with you.
December then presents us with a winter break on Monday, December 23rd. It’s important for students to enjoy time with family and friends. Get some fresh air! Stay safe! Have fun!
We wish you a Happy Thanksgiving and an enjoyable winter season!
Go Wolves!
6-12 IDVA Staff
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
Teacher Spotlight - Mrs. Lisa Percifield
By Lyric Mitchell, 9th Grade
“Believe in yourself, never give up, and always be willing to learn.”
Some people are 50 years old and still trying to figure out their life's calling. For Mrs. Percifield, that was never an issue. Ever since she was a young girl she knew what her calling was. Mrs. Percifield remembers “playing school when I was younger with my friends or stuffed animals and I was always the teacher.” So in the fall of 2003 she began teaching at Marsing Middle School. There she taught 6th and 7th grade reading and English. It wasn’t until 2010 that she started substituting as a teacher for IDVA. She subbed for Mrs. Chizum and “taught math for the one and only time” in her teaching career. Then, in 2013 she started teaching full-time for IDVA and taught middle school language arts. Now you can find her teaching 6th and 7th grade Language Arts.
Please click here to read more about Mrs. Percifield!
Student Spotlight - Ta'Jah Galloska
By Logan Fisher, 6th grade
Ta’Jah Galloska is a Senior at IDVA. She likes sports, hanging out with her family, and movie nights. For her Senior Project this last summer, Ta’Jah raised $5,000 to help an orphanage in Malawi, Africa. In Africa, it is very dry and they have very little crops. The people mainly eat corn. The money went to the orphanage to help with bedding, clothes, and food. She is continuing to raise money so she can go visit the orphanage. After high school, Ta’Jah would like to become a nurse. We are glad Ta’Jah is a part of our school!
AVID
Advancement Via Individual Determination
Advancement Via Individual Determination, AVID, is a College and Career Readiness System aimed at preparing all students for the lives they will lead after graduation. AVID encompasses instructional best practices that are embedded into daily lesson plans that facilitate rigorous and engaging learning opportunities to build skills, habits, and behaviors in a safe, college, and career-going atmosphere. The AVID College and Career Readiness System is the only K–12 educational system that provides instructional practices, district-wide system alignment, college and career culture at each site, and professional learning for teachers and administration.
We currently offer AVID as an elective for selected 8th grade students. Our AVID elective supports students in learning transferable skills and creating academic structure for college and career readiness.
Teenagers and Online Gaming
Do you have a teen or tween in your home who enjoys online gaming and who prefers to spend a lot of time engaged in this activity? Do you ever wonder about ways you might help your child to have better balance in his or her life? Please take a few minutes to read this excellent article on positive approaches to understanding and working with your student to develop healthy limits that work for both of you.
https://www.screenagersmovie.com/tech-talk-tuesdays/gaming-a-new-approach
New Counselor Series - You are invited!
IDVA Class of 2020 Graduation Planning
IDVA will hold three formal graduation ceremonies across the state in May 2020. Please save the dates for the ceremony (or ceremonies!) you would like to attend.
Graduation Ceremony Dates:
May 19, 2020 - Kroc Center, Coeur d’Alene (Northern Idaho)
May 21, 2020 - Blackfoot Performing Arts Center (SE Idaho)
May 27, 2020 - Northwest Nazarene University, Brandt Center (Treasure Valley)
Graduation Planning Guide:
Please review and bookmark our Graduation Planning Guide. This is your one stop place for all your graduation planning information.
Attention Seniors and Senior Parents:
Please complete the "Graduation Prep" items in our Graduation Planning Guide. Be sure you complete the Senior Survey so we know your plans.
Thank you for helping us to plan for wonderful graduation celebrations for your students!
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.