VA Weekly Navigator
Your guide to news, updates, and reminders in the Upper VA
(Week of February 14, 2022)
Student Member of the Board Visits with VA Students
Send Your Favorite Teachers a "VA-lentine"
If you or your child would like to send a VA teacher/staff member a tiny but heartfelt token of your appreciation, please use the form linked below to send a personalized e-card today. It only takes a moment, and it means so much to receive a little "joy-bomb" in your inbox. You can send as many as you like, so let your teachers know how you and your family feel!
Send a Personalized VA-lentine Card
(click this link or the image above!)
We are hosting our first MVA open mic -- come to listen or perform! Share original poetry, music, or spoken word...or, in honor of Black History Month, share a favorite piece from a Black American poet, musician, or artist. If you wish to perform, click here to enter your submission by Monday, 02/14. Even if you're not performing, please join us on Thursday, February 17 at 12:30 to watch and support your peers!
Zoom Link: https://mcpsmd.zoom.us/j/87473720577?pwd=Qi9zaXR5REx6b1JwL0pNRnhEN3FXQT09
Black History Month Student Slides
Registration for Next Year -- the season is upon us!
Have you indicated your intention to remain with the Virtual Academy? Please complete this form ASAP if you have not already done so! This data is crucial for planning around staffing and course availability.
VA Applications for next year will be open starting this Wednesday, February 2, through March 1. Students who are currently enrolled with the VA and wish to remain in the VA next year do NOT need to reapply.
Students will be requesting courses for next year between February 14 and February 25.
On Feb. 9, students will attend the Electives Fair from 12:05-12:50. There, they will hear about electives they may be interested in. The following week, they will be able to go into StudentVUE and click on “Course Requests.”These requests will be considered as schedules are being built, but please understand that some courses are subject to student interest and staffing availability. Final schedules will be available over the summer.
If you are not yet sure about next year, please register for courses with the VA now; your course selections will be shared with your home school should you choose to return.
DCC/NEC High School Scheduling Day on February 8 during Advisory. 8th Grade students who plan to attend a DCC or NEC high school in-person in Fall 2022 will meet DCC and NEC counselors to learn about the schools and their programs.
Contact Ms. Natalie Thomas, Resource Counselor, for more information Google Voice: Phone number 240-668-4631; natalie_m_thomas@mcpsmd.org
Next meeting is Tuesday, February 22 @ 4:00 pm - Como solicitor ayuda financeria (How to apply for financial aid).
Attendees should register using the bit.ly link in the flyer. The Zoom link for session is accessible via QR code in the flyer.
Student Service Learning Information Presentation
SSL Informational Slide Presentation
If you or your family have additional questions, please contact Dr. Simarjeet Sandhu, our SSL Coordinator, via Outlook: Simarjeet_K_Sandhu@mcpsmd.org.
Virtual Academy Calendar for February 2022
Virtual Academy Accepting New Applications for the 2022-2023 School Year
The following message was posted on the MVA Website on February 2, 2022. Please feel free to share and pass it along!
The Montgomery Virtual Academy, a full-time virtual learning program for students in Kindergarten to Grade 12, is now accepting applications for the 2022-2023 school year. Students interested in the program are required to apply for admission and must be approved to participate. (Students currently enrolled in the Virtual Academy do not need to reapply). Applications will be considered on a rolling admissions basis. Application reviews will begin March 1 for initial enrollment and staffing purposes.
The Virtual Academy serves students in a comprehensive, full-time online instructional program. The program will continue to expand its infrastructure and services, innovative instructional approaches and flexible options to access coursework, particularly for high school students.
Admission considerations include:
- For elementary school students: Primarily for students with extenuating circumstances related to health or other reasons that can be mitigated through a virtual learning program.
- For middle and high school students: For students to gain access to innovative courses, flexible scheduling and specialty courses that may not be available in all schools, and for students with extenuating circumstances, including health and other reasons, that can be mitigated through a virtual program.
Applications can be submitted through ParentVUE beginning Feb. 2.
For families needing assistance submitting an application, please call 240-740-6060 or email MoCoVirtual@mcpsmd.org.
For more information, visit these Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) or the Montgomery Virtual Academy website.
Note for Rising Kindergarteners
Students who will be kindergartners in the 2022–2023 school year must register at their home school prior to applying to the Virtual Academy. To receive a student ID number, contact your local neighborhood elementary school to schedule an appointment. Application reviews for kindergarten students will begin May 1.
Attendance Questions and Absence Notes
- Hikeyya_A_Falden@mcpsmd.org
- 240-740-6060
Advisory ("Homeroom") Reminders
Every student in the VA is scheduled for Advisory (indicated as "Homeroom" on their schedules).
Advisory meets Mondays-Wednesdays-Fridays. Students are able to:
- connect with peers from their home school
- receive Virtual Academy updates and information
- participate in fun and interesting advisory lessons
It is important for students to log in each Advisory day for learning and attendance.
Contact your advisory teacher for information and to answer questions.
Activating and Utilizing ParentVUE
Activate Your ParentVue Account
This important tool will provide near real-time access to information on assignments and scores, attendance, class schedules, transcripts, graduation status, and more. You may access ParentVUE online, but for the best mobile experience, we encourage you to download the ParentVUE App from the Google Play Store or Apple Store, as this app will replace the current myMCPS mobile application.
Contact Your Child's Administrator or Counselor for your activation letter
MVA Parent Teacher Council Updates
PIKE KITCHEN, ROCKVILLE FUNDRAISER - More dates added to enjoy their delicious food!
Tuesday, February 15th through Sunday, February 20th.
At pick up, tell the restaurant you are participating in the fundraiser and send your receipt to the owner, James Park at 301-922-1585 or email him at jpark@pikekitchen.com.
Address: 1066 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852
Website: https://www.pikekitchen.com
City of Rockville Survey Link for Social/Recreation:
MVAPTC is seeking to partner with the City of Rockville for social and other activities for our students. Please fill out their survey to express interest. You do not have to be a City of Rockville resident to participate. https://forms.gle/GZgYtBuV6porbkc47
Montgomery Virtual Academy Shirt Sales: https://mvaptc.square.site
Please contact Jessica at parentcouncil@cpjsweb.com with any questions. Pick up in Kensington or can be mailed at an additional cost. Contact Jessica for mailing options.
Teacher Appreciation Wish List: https://www.amazon.com/registries/custom/KW86FXCZ3F5L/guest-view
Student Directory:
MVAPTC Lower School Family Directory Sign Up - https://forms.gle/c7kwQ8pBRPJM6VTD9
MVAPTC Middle School Family Directory Sign Up - https://forms.gle/kpUAfwsDPbSJNXsZ6
MVAPTC High School Family Directory Sign Up - https://forms.gle/YqfbRyt11E8eAYjp7
MoCo Delivery Fundraiser (ongoing weekly):
Enjoy delivered food from the Amish Market Yummy Pies & Beiler’s Donuts, Metro Dahaba, Izes Deli, Fresh Baguette and Poolesville Raw Pure Honey! Your purchase will be placed at your door on Saturday morning. Deadline for ordering is Thursday night! Please put "Donation to MCPS VA" in the special requests section. Order at: www.mocodelivery.com
Upcoming Parent Teacher Council Meetings: 1st Thursday of the Month at 6:30 PM
*March 3, April 7, May 5, June 2 (Board Member Elections)
Please donate to help pay for the non-profit fees and insurance: https://gofund.me/741e97fa (GoFundMe) & https://mvaptc.square.site (Square)
Membership is required to have voting rights and to become a board member. No Dues: MVAPTC Membership Signup: https://forms.gle/ATxuHnUWnvEqVD9Y8
Want to help? Our MVAPTC Committee Signup: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1P26ZtfaHo0NR9GSjc2xuzHg7G40AvbsiSfEqhBTJjRw/edit?usp=sharing
Helpful MVAPTC Links:
Website: https://vaparentcouncil.godaddysites.com
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=montgomery%20virtual%20academy%20parent%20teacher%20council
Facebook page for unofficial Parent Group called MCPS - Montgomery Virtual Academy Families and Staff (Montgomery County, MD): https://www.facebook.com/groups/530674078014807
MVAPTC Membership Signup: https://forms.gle/ATxuHnUWnvEqVD9Y8
MVAPTC Committee Signup: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1P26ZtfaHo0NR9GSjc2xuzHg7G40AvbsiSfEqhBTJjRw/edit?usp=sharing
Please contact Council President, Jessica at parentcouncil@cpjsweb.com if you’d like to volunteer or have any questions, comments or suggestions. Thank you for your support!
Historically Black Colleges & Universities Fair
- Workshops on Financial Aid, Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) completion assistance, and scholarship opportunities.
- Panel Discussion on college life with representatives from the “Divine Nine” Fraternities and Sororities.
- HBCU “Seminar Series” in January and February. Workshops will include United Negro College Fund (UNCF) scholarship information, overview of HBCUs, and how to find your best fit HBCU.
Important Dates
- Monday, February 14, 2022 to Thursday, February 17, 2022, for Seniors On-The-Spot Interviews and Admissions.
- Friday, February 18, 2022, for the virtual fair and workshops
COVID-19 At-Home Rapid Test Kits for Students
Free English as Second Language Classes for Parents
In collaboration with MCPS, the Literacy Council of Montgomery County (LCMC) is offering free English as a Second Language (ESL) classes for MCPS parents. The classes will be held virtually and there will be options for all levels of English speakers. They are available to any MCPS parent for whom English is not their first language.
Please see this flyer for details:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CWxRzof4pPS95Fi7SjEadPgf3_w39orL/view?usp=sharing
Parents can complete this Interest form to receive a placement test.
Bulk Meal Kits for Virtual Academy Families
Families can now pre-order meals using the same link each week. The link will open on Mondays and will close temporarily over the weekend so that the data can be accessed by our Food Services partners. Please note the form is not managed or maintained by the Virtual Academy.
Virtual Academy Bulk Meal Kits Pre-Order Form
These kits will provide 5 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 7 Suppers and 7 Snacks. These kits will be distributed every Friday from 11:00am - 1:00pm at most locations (see the form for details).
Magruder HS
Clarksburg HS
Damascus ES
Gaithersburg HS
Paint Branch HS
White Oak MS
Parkland MS
Blair HS
Northwest HS
Richard Montgomery HS
Poolesville ES
Walter Johnson HS
The kits need to be reserved by Friday 12:00 p.m. one week in advance to ensure availability.
Confirmation of order will be sent via email.
Questions regarding meal kits can be sent to the meals drop box: DFNSMealKitOrders@mcpsmd.org
We are so grateful to our partners in Food Services!
(Need to type the Pre-Order Form link? Here it is: https://forms.gle/XQHyNJe5kG6fzj6v9)
Technology Support
If you are having technology issues, please submit an e-ticket by emailing your question or issue to communitytechsupport@mcpsmd.org or submit a ticket via the Community Tech Support portal. This account is monitored daily and you will receive email notifications throughout the process.
For helpful support guides and screencasts in English and Spanish, please visit https://montgomery.service-now.com/csm.
A support guide for the Community Tech Support portal is available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cczbhEXF7x3TBquSMQGUGsxIcqsm_BtG2KBBi_bA0_0/edit
Student Newsletter
Click here to review the updates that we share with students each week in our student newsletter Google Site.
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