OVCA High School Bison Blast
December 2017
OVCA has some pretty incredible students doing some pretty incredible things all over the state!
Check out Tru’s story!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-lpfELyN94In this issue...
Semester Finals Schedule
College Corner
Tech Tip
Learning Coach and Student Resources
Upcoming Events
Blazers Ice Rink in Oklahoma City; Oilers Ice Center in Tulsa
December 7: OU College Visit for High School Students
2:30pm-4pm
December 10: Checkpoint #4
All course work needs to be submitted
December 11: Interim #2
Opens in STAR360
December 12: Virtual Art Show
11am-1pm
December 11-14: Semester Finals
Schedule below
December 15: HS Awards Assembly
Link will appear on your students CC Schedule
December 16 to January 3: Winter Break
No School
January 4: Second Semester Starts
School resumes
Hope you will plan to join us for some fun at our outings this year!
December All School Outing: Ice Skating and Gingerbread House Contest
Please bring canned foods to donate to a local food bank.
Ice Skating and Gingerbread House Contest RSVP link:
Oklahoma City
8000 S I-35 Service Rd,
Oklahoma City, OK 73149
Time: 12-2:45pm
Admission: $7
Gingerbread House Contest
Class Connect Link will appear on students Schedule
Please bring canned foods to donate to a local food bank.
Tulsa
OU Campus Tour
Join us as we tour the lovely campus of Oklahoma University!
Sign up here!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSemcC4ZG4g5BFPtDnPwLtEROEk6sthGDvFpe7GFN_vXcm4emQ/viewform4th Annual OVCA/ISOK K-12 Online Art Show!
11:00am-1:00pm
1st Semester Finals Schedule
12/11/2017 – English & Foreign Language (English opens early 12/8)
12/12/2017 – Math and History
12/13/2017 – Science and Technology
12/14/2017 – All other Electives
Spoiler alert—it is pretty AWESOME!
Check out what a few of our OVCA students are saying about OVCA this year!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4SoOvNK49A&t=1s
If you have something you would like to share please email nellison@okvirtual.org
OVCA Prom 2018: Magic Under the Stars
OVCA Prom 2018: Magic Under the Stars
Saturday, May 5, 2018, 06:00 PM
Route 66 Interpretive Center
Prom Donations are always accepted!
Anyone that simply wants to make a donation to prom can send this into the office at any time to: Oklahoma Virtual Charter Academy, Attn: Sondra Callaway, 1160 S. Douglas Blvd., Midwest City, OK 73130 and will receive a taxable receipt. J
December – How to Stay Fit in the Winter
Did you know that the average person gains 5 to 7 pounds in the winter?
What are three main culprits that make the scale go up in the winter?
- Decreased physical activity
- Greater number of empty calories
- Seasonal affective disorder (Winter Blues)
10 Ways to Exercise While Watching TV
- Walking in place or on treadmill
- Jumping Jacks
- Pushups
- Leg Lifts
- Crunches
- Jogging in place
- Squats
- Light weight lifting
- Dancing
- Step exercises
This site has several videos of exercises that can be completed at home:
https://www.fitnessblender.com/workouts-programs
Winter Eating Tips
1. Eat low calorie soup before a large meal
2. Indoor Grill
3. Give away baked goods when you make them
4. Eat winter fruit and vegetables
5. Eat oatmeal for breakfast
6. Make your favorite comfort food with low fat and fat reduced ingredients
7. Drink water
It’s Cold Outside but Go Out!
1. Hike through parks
2. Ice Skating (indoor and outdoor)
3. Go sledding
4. Snowball fight
Learn more about Title 1
If you haven’t met me before I am the Title I Coordinator at OVCA. This is my 8th year with our school and I LOVE year in and year out being able to help support our families in many different ways.
If you were unaware OVCA is a schoolwide Title I school. Perhaps you are unsure what “Title I” is, that is ok! Last week we held our annual Title I parent meeting.
If you did not get a chance to join the session I have placed the recording link here for you to view: https://sas.elluminate.com/site/external/jwsdetect/playback.jnlp?psid=2017-10-25.1502.M.772DB428D167F85478B212B5DEDF13.vcr&sid=559
I hope you take the time to view the recording and reach out to me if you have any questions at nellison@okvirtual.org
College Corner
ACT Workshop Info for you!
Recently, OVCA Teachers provided an ACT Workshop broken down into a 3-day course that covered the Math, Science Reasoning, and English/Reading sections of the ACT. Below are the recordings for each Workshop:
ACT Workshop Day 1 - Math – Ms. Miller
ACT Workshop Day 2 - Science Reasoning – Ms. Schweitzer
ACT Workshop Day 3 - English/Reading – Mr. Safe
If you are registered for the September 9th ACT, these recordings would be great to study! The next available ACT is October 22nd! Talk with your advisor if you’re interested in testing! Financial aid for registration is possible, although resources are limited.
Attention 11th and 12th Graders! Regional College Fair Programs
Sign up here: https://register.gotocollegefairs.com/Registration/EventSelectForState?StateName=Oklahoma
Please take the opportunity to attend a college fair near you.
A representative from Oklahoma colleges/universities will be on hand to answer questions regarding their institution and programs offered on campus.
***It is your responsibility to contact the college fair site before traveling to ensure the event has not been cancelled. These are not OVCA sponsored events therefore, we do not have control over the events or sites.
8th-10th Graders - Apply for Oklahoma's Promise!
Don't miss this great opportunity to submit your application for Oklahoma's Promise:
http://www.okhighered.org/okpromise/
Contact your Advisor or Homeroom Teacher if you have questions.
Want to know more info on Graduation Requirements?
Check out this video from our High School Counselor, Mr. Dry!
Click here to watch the video
2018 Graduation Ceremony
This email went out to all potential 2018 Graduates.
All graduating seniors need to arrive at 11:00 AM in preparation for our 1:00 PM ceremony.
>>>> The facility will be closed to all until 11:00 AM. This will allow OVCA staff to set up and prepare for your arrival. As a courtesy, you should remind your guests that the ceremony does not begin until 1:00 PM. Only the graduates are to check in at 11:00 AM.
All students may view and order graduation supplies online at www.jostens.com. When searching for our school, please enter “Oklahoma Virtual Charter Academy” and we are listed under “Mid-West City, Ok” for our location.
Students wishing to participate in the graduation ceremony are required to purchase the $34.25 Black cap and gown unit. The cap and gown unit may be ordered online any time now through Wednesday, January 24, 2018. If you order your unit on or before Wednesday, January 24, 2018; Jostens has notified us you will receive it by April 13, 2018.
If you wait to order the unit after Wednesday, January 24, 2018 or later the price will increase and orders will have to be made through a representative in the Oklahoma City area. *It is not guaranteed that you will receive a cap/gown in time for the ceremony. . We encourage you to order early online. All other supplies located on the website are optional.
****Please note; When you place your order, it will tell you the order will be sent to the OVCA office. This WILL NOT HAPPEN. Your orders are sent to the OKC Jostens office. Jostens OKC office staff will mail directly to the address you provide when ordering. Again, the date you will receive your merchandise is determined by when you place your order.
Do not delay to order as your cap and gown may not make it to your home by the ceremony. ***You must have a cap/gown to participate in the Graduation Ceremony. The cap/gown will be black with black tassel.
If you have a problem ordering online with Jostens please call them at:
1-800-JOSTENS (1-800-567-8367)
****Honors Graduates: Valedictorians and Salutatorians: Cumulative grade point average is calculated through the fall semester of the senior year. This will be used to determine all graduation honors. If you have questions you should contact your HS Counselor.
Remember: Students must continue to pass their courses and gain the necessary credits to be eligible for May graduation in addition to attending any required State Testing. Participating in a graduation ceremony does not mean you have officially graduated. All students will need to continue to meet these requirements in order to be eligible to participate in May. Again, if you have questions regarding your status this should be discussed with your HS Counselor.
High School Counselors:
Chris Dry 12th grade
Dr. Katina Bookard 11th grade
Upon arrival seniors will need to:
- Check in at the front table.
- Use the restroom/put on cap and gown.
- Be prepared to take an individual photo (if desired).
- Be seated in the auditorium by 12:30 PM in designated section. We will complete a brief walkthrough explaining the ceremony and will need all seniors seated and present at 12:30 PM. It is imperative you remember to bring your cap and gown to the ceremony as they are required to participate.
- You should remind those you invite to attend that the ceremony does not begin until 1:00 PM. >>>> Only YOU are required to be there early for pre-ceremony sign-in and walk-through. Again, the facility will not open until 11:00 AM for graduates.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
- How do I order my cap and gown?
Information has been provided in this e-mail. Our vendor is Jostens. You will order online from their website and it will be sent to the mailing address you provide when ordering. You need to order early to ensure you get it by graduation as it is required to participate in the ceremony. There will be a Jostens cutoff date regarding ordering to receive by graduation date. That date is determined by Jostens.
Ways to order:
Online: www.jostens.com
Phone: 1-800-JOSTENS (567-8367)
Deadline to order: Wednesday, January 24, 2018 (Orders placed prior to the deadline will ship to the home by April 13, 2018) Do not delay to order after deadline as your cap and gown may not make it to your home by the ceremony. ***You must have a cap/gown to participate in the Graduation Ceremony.
- Can I decorate the top of my graduation cap?
No, students are not permitted to alter the appearance of their cap or gown.
3. May I bring food and/or drink (such as bottled water) to the ceremony or in the theater?
No, The FBC has a strict no food/drink policy (including bottled water). You will not be permitted to enter the auditorium with these items.
4. Will there be a photographer at the ceremony?
Yes, students will be asked to take an individual picture prior to the ceremony. This is free of charge. Information on how to obtain a copy will be given to the graduate that day.
5. Glitter is NOT allowed inside the FBC.
NO GLITTER! You will be asked to remove your cap if we see glitter. Remember, we are guests of this facility.
6. Will students be permitted to throw their caps in the air at the close of the graduation ceremony?
No! We cannot throw our caps into the air while in the auditorium.
Your teachers and families are excited to share in this special day with you. We look forward to seeing you there!
Again, congratulations on your achievement!
Athena Jarvis
Graduation Coach
Saturday, May 19, 2018, 01:00 PM
First Baptist Church of Edmond, 1300 East 33rd Street, Edmond, Oklahoma 73013, United States
Check out our new website!
Have you had a chance to check out the awesome new OVCA Website? www.okvirtual.net
You can find some great information here and even log directly into the online school. Check out things like school calendars, purchase spirit wear, parent resources, and more. If you have ideas for improving the website feel free to email Nicole Ellison at nellison@okvirtual.org with yours ideas!
How to Enable Flash in Chrome 62+
Recently Chrome updated to version 62, where the functionality to enable flash has changed from previous software versions. Chrome 62 was released within the past week. K12 IT department has documented how to enable Flash within version 62.
As a reminder, for the best experience, OVCA recommends using the Mozilla Firefox browser. To download the most recent version of Firefox, please visit: https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/ . Families have noted that when using other browsers, particularly in the OLS, they may receive a "Loading" screen that does not load any additional content. However, should a staff member or family need to use Chrome.
Step by step directions found in this 2 minute recording--
Step 1
Open a new browser tab and go to: chrome://settings/content/flash
Step 2
Ensure the Ask first (recommended) option is enabled (should be by default).
Step 3
Next to the Allow option click Add
Type [*.]k12.com and click Add
The end results should look like this and the user can close this tab
Keep your Computer Running Smoothly
Learning Coach Resources and Info
Parental Involvement Plan
OVCA partners with parents to update the Parental Involvement Plan annually. Click the below link to check out the SY 1718 Parent Involvement Plan.
OVCA Learning Coach Connections - Find us on Facebook
Click here to request to join the group.
•Open to all current OVCA Learning Coaches grades Kindergarten – 12th grade
•Share your tips for successfully schooling at home in a positive environment
•Please include your students grade level in your posts. There is a progression of learning through the grade levels so each school has different requirement to meet the needs of students.
•Contact your student’s teacher if you have specific questions or concerns about courses and grades. They are the BEST source for those answers.
Calling all LC’s! Check out Wednesday Workshops! You will NOT regret it!
Click HERE to watch a 2 minute video explaining what Wednesday Workshops are and why we want you to attend!
Check out the calendar to see which topics will be offered this school year at http://okvirtual.net/p-resources.php
Are you an expert at one of the topics being offered? Or do you have vast experience as an LC and you would love to share your knowledge with others? PLEASE email Nicole Ellison at nellison@k12.com She is always looking for LC’s to share the mic!
What: Wednesday Workshops will offer a weekly topic to help LC’s and high school students school more effectively getting the most out of online school. They are held weekly at the same time & place.
When: Every Wednesday school is in session at 4pm
Where: Online in BBC – The links can be located in the OLS announcements, and under class connects for the LC.
Why: OVCA looks to partner with both the LC and student to make virtual schooling as smooth as possible. Providing the LC and student resources like a weekly support session is just one way we can partner together. #teambison #comecheckitout
Wednesday, December 13th , 4pm – First Semester Celebrations
Wednesday, December 20th and December 27th –Winter Break – No Wednesday Workshops Hosted
Questions about Driver's Ed? Check out these resources
Here is a few:
Online Driver Education—$68.95 | DPS Approved Online Course.
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Best Price Offered in OK · Award Winning Course · Top Online Provider · Reliable, Safe and Secure
Accredited Business Since 2003. A+ Rating – bbb.org
· Oklahoma Driver's Ed - FirstTimeDriver.com
Adwww.firsttimedriver.com/Oklahoma
DPS-Certified Parent-Taught Course. Instantly Download Certificate! $69
Here is how to find the OVCA Family Directory
2. Click the Link icon to the left of LC name and then select k12 LMS from the dropdown.
3. Select the My Info from the Quick Links box
4. Select Family Directory from purple box on left.
OVCA Military Co-Op
OVCA offers additional support to our students who are connected to the military. If you have access to Tinker Air Force Base, please contact the coordinator Christine Nichols at cnichols@k12.com.
The High School students of our Military Co-Op and our Gifted and Talented programs visited the UCO Forensic Science Institute and learned about careers in forensics and enjoyed a few hands-on activities.
Fall Family Events at the Oklahoma History Center
November 4 – First Saturday (American Indian Heritage Month/Hispanic Heritage Month) 1-4 pm Crafts and activities for family members of all ages!
Got Box Tops?
You can now use the Box Top app to increase your Box Tops for our school! Don't have the app? You are welcome to drop off your Box Tops at any of our in person outings or mail them to our office at the address below. Please check the expiration dates of your Box Tops before turning them in. Thank you and we appreciate your support!
OVCA Office
Box Tops- Attention: Sondra Callaway
1160 S. Douglas Blvd.
Midwest City, OK 73130
Share the Love
Meet Your Teachers
Join a K12 Club
K12 offers a variety of student clubs. Browse the 2017–2018 club listings by clicking here, and register for your favorite clubs today!
OVCA provides McKinney-Vento/Homeless assistance and supports to qualifying students.
You may be eligible for assistance through the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. Below is the definition of what qualifies a family to be considered eligible for supports and services.
According to section 725(2) of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11434a(2)), the term “homeless children and youths”—
(A) means individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence...; and
(B) includes—
(i) children and youths who are sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason; are living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to the lack of alternative accommodations; are living in emergency or transitional shelters; are abandoned in hospitals; or are awaiting foster care placement;
(ii) children and youths who have a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings;
(iii) children and youths who are living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings; and
(iv) migratory children who qualify as homeless for the purposes of this subtitle because the children are living in circumstances described in clauses (i) through (iii).
Children and youth are considered homeless if they fit both part A and any one of the subparts of part B of the definition above.
If you feel you may qualify or if you have any questions, please contact Raeshelle Sharpnack, District Homeless Liaison & Family Resource Coordinator, at rsharpnack@okvirtual.org or (405) 259-9478 ext. 2140
Notification of Language Assistance Services
Any parent/legal guardian who is limited in speaking, writing, or reading English may request the school to provide access to services such as interpreter and/or translated documents. To request services please email or call the ELL Coordinator, Nicole Ellison, at nellison@okvirtual.org or 405.259.9478 ext. 2064. Nicole Ellison will coordinate prompt access for the parent/legal guardian to the appropriate services and/or translator service.
Parents Right to Know
At the beginning of each school year each Title I school must notify parents of students that they can request information regarding their child’s teacher, including, at a minimum:
(1) whether the teacher has met the state requirements for licensure and certification for the grade levels and subject-matters in which the teacher provides instruction; and
(2) whether the teacher is teaching under emergency or their provisional status through which state qualification or licensing criteria have been waived; and
(3) the college major and any other graduate certification or degree held by the teacher, and the field of discipline of the certification or degree; and
(4) whether the child is provided services by paraprofessionals, and if so, their qualifications.
In addition, each Title I school must provide each parent timely notice that the parent’s child has been assigned, or has been taught for four or more consecutive weeks by a teacher who is not highly qualified.
To receive any of this information please contact Nicole Ellison, Title I Coordinator, at nellison@okvirtual.org
OVCA is proud to provide your student the best possible educational experiences. OVCA strives to recruit the most qualified, experienced, and passionate educators to work with our students. All teachers employed at OVCA for the SY17-18 are highly qualified as defined by the State Department of Oklahoma. For more information regarding highly qualified criteria or other public school related matters you may go to the Oklahoma State Department website at http://ok.gov/sde/.
Sincerely,
Nicole Ellison
Title I Coordinator
405-259-9478 ext. 2064
Important Information about Special Education Services
Click here for information on Special Education Services at OVCA.
Please complete this Child Find Survey for Special Education
To reach all families, this information has been sent through multiple avenues, however you only need to complete it once.
Previous Monthly Newsletters:
2017-2018 Academic Calendar
K12 Customer Support
K12 Customer Support https://www.help.k12.com/s/
or call 866-512-2273
Find us on Facebook
Click here to request to join the OVCA Learning Coach Connections group.