Montgomery Virtual Academy K-5 News
Week of March 28, 2022
A Note from the Dean's Desk
Greetings Montgomery Virtual Academy Voyagers!
If you are reading this on Sunday, March 27, there's still time to make a plan to attend the All Grades MVAPTC Meet and Greet at Filicori Zecchini in Potomac Park, today, Sunday, March 27th from 2-4 PM. Enjoy delicious coffee, hot chocolate, sandwiches and treats! No purchase necessary. See the MVAPTC newsletter section below for more details!
This week we will wrap up March Madness, Tuck-In Tuesday (with some SPECIAL MYSTERY READERS!) and Lunch Bunch Read-alouds! For more information, check out our MVA National Read Across America Month 2022 slides so you don’t miss a thing!
We will step into April at the end of the week, and April is World Autism Month. Stay tuned for information on ways to show support, build awareness, and stand with those with autism. For example, on April 2nd, in honor of World Autism Awareness Day, supporters around the globe light up their homes or businesses blue! To get started, check out this link to the Autism Speaks website and this short video!
Finally, we are asking our community to please complete this MVA Technology Survey. It should only take a few minutes of your time and will be used to inform how we can enhance the technology equipment, programs, and applications we provide to MVA students and staff. Thanks to those who already completed it!
Thank you for your ongoing support and engagement on this amazing voyage! Let's make it great week of learning and a great week on purpose!
Mrs. Cassandra Heifetz
Dean
UPCOMING EVENTS
- March 27: MVAPTC All Grades Meet & Greet at Filicori Zecchini
- March 29: Tuck-In Tuesday Bedtime Story Read-aloud at 7 PM
- March 31: Deadline to complete the MCPS Anti-Racist System Audit Survey
- April 1: End of MP4; Early Release Day
- April 4: Marking Period 4 begins
- April 4-8: Autism Acceptance Spirit Week (details coming soon!)
- April 7: MVAPTC Parent Meeting
- April 11-18: Spring Break, No School
MONTGOMERY VIRTUAL ACADEMY INFORMATION & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Spring MCAP Testing for Grade 3-5 Students
MVA Technology Survey
There is also an opportunity to indicate interest in a focus group conversation.
Thank you for taking the time to complete this helpful survey!
MVA March Madness, Lunch Bunch Read-Alouds, & Tuck-In Tuesday!!
We have some fun Marvelous March Munch Reading Lunch Bunch Read-Alouds and another Tuck-in Tuesday planned! Check out our MVA National Read Across America Month 2022 slide presentation to access all of the Zoom links and to make sure you don’t miss a thing!
For "Tuck In Tuesday" on March 29, we have some SPECIAL MYSTERY READERS who will be reading a bedtime story TOGETHER at 7 PM. We hope your child can join in!
Zoom Link: https://mcpsmd.zoom.us/j/82803163498?pwd=cHh3ZmNic0l0NWhlOVdlakQvU0VyQT09
Meeting ID: 828 0316 3498
Password: mva
MVA Enrollment for the 2022-2023 School Year- ACTION REQUESTED
Students who are currently enrolled in the Montgomery Virtual Academy (MVA) and wish to continue in the MVA in the 2022-2023 school year are not required to re-apply. However, we are asking for current families to please complete the form linked below for each child. In the form, please indicate whether you wish your child to remain in the MVA for the 2022-2023 school year OR plan to have them return to their home school. Families who have already completed the form do not need to re-submit it.
Montgomery Virtual Academy 2022-2023 Enrollment Commitment
https://forms.gle/P1TvdtdzLXDuxafq8
Questions regarding continuation of enrollment may be sent to MoCoVirtual@mcpsmd.org. Thank you for your cooperation and support!
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.
MCPS RESOURCES FOR VIRTUAL ACADEMY FAMILIES
Free Digital Library Books
HOW TO ACCESS SORA
- Visit: https://soraapp.com/library/montgomerymd
- Login with student MCPS email address and password
Click here for additional directions to use the SORA app
Sora can be accessed via Clever or directly from the link above. The Use SORA app will support families who want to connect the public library to the SORA account.
Destiny Discover Library Catalog
Free Online Resources for MVA Students
All online services can be accessed by students when they log into Clever with their MCPS Google Account.
MEALS
Families can now pre-order meals using the same link each week. (Please see below.) 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.
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).
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.orgWe are so grateful to our partners in Food Services!
Technology Support for Virtual Academy Families
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
COUNSELING CORNER
CARING MATTERS offering a FREE Grief Camp for Kids
Camp Erin is an overnight weekend camp for children and teens, ages 6-17, grieving the death of someone close to them. Campers will participate in wide range of activities including: recreation and outdoor activities, sharing memories, expressive arts, trust and bonding activities, campfire and drumming circle. Camp Erin, offered free of charge, is staffed by trained volunteers and professionals. This opportunity is for children and teens who have not attended a previous session of Camp Erin.
Registration is open for the free weekend camp - Camp Erin for grieving students ages 6-17. It will take place May 13-15 2022. see flyers for more details
FLYERS:
English flyer link
español flyer link
Camp Erin can accommodate Spanish-speaking campers!
The deadline for applying is Friday, April 29th at 3:00 PM.
More details and the application form are on the website https://www.caringmatters.org/camp-erin
Russian-Ukrainian War Parent Resources
Resources for Elementary Parents
How to talk to children about what’s happening in Ukraine and World War Three anxiety. Although this Metro article is written for a British audience, the themes and information included are universal for dealing with such issues.
Russia-Ukraine war: How to talk to kids about the conflict. This Yahoo News article discusses tips on how to have age appropriate conversations about the Russian-Ukrainian War.
Kids Britannica: This entry gives information about Ukraine, its history, people, culture, government and natural resources that although written for elementary students, is really accessible to secondary students as well.
The Ukraine-Russia crisis explained: a complete visual guide, The Guardian: This article gives an explanation of what is going on with good visual maps, graphs, and charts to convey multiple points of information.
A simple guide to the Ukraine-Russia crisis: 5 things to know: This Al Jazeera article presents some key questions and background to the conflict and what it means for those involved.
How NATO Is Responding to Russia's Invasion of Ukraine. This Time article explains the expansion of NATO since 1949 and how it is responding to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Kids are learning about the Russia-Ukraine conflict on TikTok with a mix of snark and fear. Here's how parents can explain, not alarm.This Yahoo article addresses the fact that many students will get information on social media platforms, such as Tiktok. It discusses this phenomena and then gives advice on how to talk to kids at their level, such as high school, middle school, elementary school and preschool.
Ukraine Russia Conflict Explained | What is happening with Ukraine and Russia 2022?: This video provides a description of what has led up to the Russian invasion. YouTube: MP4 Format
- How to Talk to Kids and Teens About the Crisis in Ukraine. This lifehacker guides parents of little kids, tweens, and teenagers on how to talk about the Russian-Ukrainian War.
MONTGOMERY VIRTUAL ACADEMY PARENT TEACHER COUNCIL (MVAPTC) INFO & ANNOUNCEMENTS
The following MVA Parent Council Announcements are being shared as a public information courtesy.
Montgomery Virtual Academy Parent Teacher Council Updates
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!
All Grades MVAPTC Outdoor Meet and Greet: Filicori Zecchini at 12500 Park Potomac Ave, Potomac, MD 20854 on Sunday, March 27th from 2-4 PM. Enjoy delicious coffee, hot chocolate, sandwiches and treats! No purchase necessary. MVPTA will bring a few games/activities but if you have any games/activities for kids to share, please bring them. We will make signs to create a slide show for staff appreciation week. If it rains or bad weather, the event will be rescheduled. Please see our Facebook pages listed below for updates.
Upcoming Parent Teacher Council Meetings:
Next Meeting Thursday, April 7th at 6:30 PM
Future meetings: 1st Thursday of the Month at 6:30 PM (April 7, May 5, June 2 - Board Member Elections)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://mcpsmd.zoom.us/j/82444490744?pwd=elRpSkcybmY3TXZ3TzlnamtFSlhOQT09
Meeting ID: 824 4449 0744 and Passcode: 092867
One tap mobile
+13017158592,,82444490744# US (Washington DC)
+13126266799,,82444490744# US (Chicago)
Teacher Appreciation Wish List: https://www.amazon.com/registries/custom/KW86FXCZ3F5L/guest-view
Please help us purchase shirts and other items for our wonderful staff.
We need about 80 additional shirts to provide one to each staff member for teacher appreciation week. Shirts do not need to be purchased off Amazon. We just need blank shirts to logo.
Montgomery Virtual Academy Shirt Sales and Donations: 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.
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 (no dues this year): https://forms.gle/ATxuHnUWnvEqVD9Y8
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
MCPS INFORMATION FOR ALL FAMILIES
PREKINDERGARTEN/HEAD START REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/dtecps/earlychildhood/prek/
Please note that the Montgomery Virtual Academy does not have a pre-kindergarten or Head Start program.
Antiracist System Audit Family Survey
MCPS needs your help to better understand how our schools and the school district are doing as part of our ongoing work to address racial and systemic barriers in Montgomery County Public Schools.
We encourage you to fill out this survey before March 31. You can use your mobile device or computer. The survey is part of a larger process called the MCPS Antiracist System Audit. You can learn more about the audit here.
The survey, which is anonymous and available in seven languages, will ask you about your family’s experiences with your child’s school and MCPS. The goal of the survey is for us to better understand how racism affects teaching, learning and parent engagement.
Students in grades 4 through 12 will also take an age-appropriate, anonymous version of the survey in class between March 1 and March 31. Each school will schedule its own date.
Key information about the surveys and audit:
Parents, students and staff from these organizations were actively involved in providing input and feedback on the survey questions. Sample questions and more information about the surveys can be found here.
A report will be sent to MCPS by the end of June. The report will provide results for MCPS as a whole and by each school.
MCPS will communicate the report’s findings to the community.
This website will provide updatess.
Free, On-Demand Online/Virtual Tutoring Available for All Students, K-12
See the MCPS Website for more details:
https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/tutoring.aspx
Access Instructions for Students (Must be logged in with MCPS credentials)
1. Navigate your web browser to: https://clever.com/in/mcpsmd
2. Log in to the MCPS Clever Portal. If prompted, choose Log in with Google.
3. Select the Tutoring Partner app to access the program resources. (FEV Tutor or Tutor Me Education)
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Utility Assistance from Montgomery County Government:
https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/HHS-Program/Program.aspx?id=SNHS/SNHSUtilityA-p746.html
COVID-19 Vaccinations for Ages 5-11:
https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/covid19/vaccine/children.html
Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center:
https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/gilchrist/
Food Giveaway Events this week:
https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/covid19/get- help/food.html#events
Family And Friends Mental Health Support:
http://namimd.org/family__friend_support
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?
Montgomery County Public Library Programs:
https://mcpl.libnet.info/events?=undefined&r=thismonth&term=Virtual+Program
Find us at...
Email: Cassandra.Heifetz@mcpsmd.net
Website: https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/virtualacademy/
Location: 15 West Gude Drive, 2nd Floor, Rockville, MD, USA
Phone: 240-740-6060
Twitter: @MVA_DeanHeifetz