Welcome back to the 2018-19 Year
Very important information for getting started successfully!
Welcome Back!
It is so hard to believe that we are gearing up for another school year! We have been welcoming a steady stream of new students over the last week and staff is back to work busily preparing to launch a successful 2018-19 school year! Please join me in extending a very warm Shamrock Welcome to our new secretary Teresa Howard. She joins us with a wealth of experience and is excited to join our program. Please also extend an extra measure of grace as she and I work hand in hand crossing every "t" and dotting every "i".
On a personal note, this year I (Mrs. Stout) have a SENIOR and so I will be experiencing many "lasts" this year and plan to spend a lot of time crying :).
I trust that you have each had an amazing summer full of making wonderful memories with family and friends. We can't wait to see you all!!
Major changes from the state of Michigan regarding how many courses our students must take
Beginning this year:
K-5th students MUST take 6 courses. **Math, Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, + 2 electives.
6th - 8th students MUST take 7 courses. **Math, Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, Technology, + 2 electives.
9th - 12th students MUST take 8 courses **No change from previous years.
Electives: IF a student requires a remediation course in Math or ELA - then they MUST take these courses. IF your student does not require remediation, he/she may choose electives from the homeschool parent partnership. Click HERE for a list of those electives.
**ALL students may take a maximum of 2 Homeschool Partnership Electives and registration opens August 18. Students MUST be registered with the Virtual Academy BEFORE they are allowed to sign up for those courses**
Get your testing done BEFORE the school year begins
On August 21 and 30 we will have open windows for NWEA testing. The test consists of three portions: Math, Reading, and Science. ALL students must test at the beginning and end of the year.
8/21 - 8 am - 3 pm
8/30 - 8 am - 3 pm
While students are testing, parents will take the time to complete files and families will leave with their laptops. Returning students will have an "abbreviated" orientation this year on Wednesday, August 29 at 5 pm. New students will stay for more in-depth training after returning students leave.
Important Instructional Videos for PARENTS of Elementary students.
BEFORE we meet on September 11, parents are required to watch each of the videos in the link. Our mentor will not show these videos, but will be referring to the content contained in the videos.
Orientation times
For students taking courses at the Middle School: Tuesday August 28 6 pm.
For students taking courses at the High School: Tuesday August 28 7 pm
All 6th - 12th grade students of the Virtual Academy. Wednesday, August 29, 5 pm - ?
- We will begin with information pertinent to returning students: calendar items, paperwork, laptops, and changes to the program after which returning students may be dismissed.
- We will move into information pertinent to the entire family
- During the 2 weeks of required attendance, we will go through training for the student. For example: school gmail, monitoring progress, schoology and edgenuity.
All K-5th grade students of the Virtual Academy Tuesday, Sept 11, 1 pm
- We will open your boxes from Lincoln Empowered containing all curriculum supplies
- We will review how to use the website
- Each family will complete 1 lesson in the subject of their choice with the mentor in the room available for help.
- Please do not bring pre-school age children as this can distract from the effectiveness of the training.
9th - 12th grade families NEED to get signed up for Remind.
Remind is a communication tool which sends you texts and/or email. These "Remind" links are coming from the Berrien Springs High School counseling office. Messages are specific to your student's graduation year and contain very important information regarding testing, scholarships, high school announcements, graduation, etc.
12th Grade:
https://www.remind.com/join/bshs-2019
11th Grade:
https://www.remind.com/join/bshs-2020
10th Grade:
https://www.remind.com/join/bshs-2021
9th Grade:
https://www.remind.com/join/bshs-2022
Dual Enrollment: