ORVA Family Newsletter
January 2017
Happy New Year! Five Literary Quotes to Start Your Year With Happiness
“Ring out the old, ring in the new,
Ring, happy bells, across the snow:
The year is going, let him go;
Ring out the false, ring in the true.”
― Alfred, Lord Tennyson
“[T]omorrow is a new day. You shall begin it well & serenely, & with too high a spirit to be cumbered with your old nonsense. This day ... is too dear with its hopes & invitations to waste a moment on the rotten yesterdays.”
― Ralph Waldo Emerson
“For last year’s words belong to last year’s language
And next year’s words await another voice.”
― T.S. Eliot
“Isn’t it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?”
― L.M. Montgomery
“The artist is always beginning. Any work of art which is not a beginning, an invention, a discovery is of little worth.”
― Ezra Pound
Warmly,
Jennifer Tracewell, Family Engagement Administrator
January ORventures
ORVA Staff will be hosting pajama parties featuring popcorn buffets and group games/activities. Specific information and registration will be made available soon!
This ORventure is in collaboration with National School Choice Week. Held every January, National School Choice Week shines a spotlight on effective education options for every child. Across the country, thousands of events will be taking place during this week, planned by a wide range of schools, organizations, or individuals, to celebrate educational opportunities for our students.
Monday, January 16, MLK Day - No School
GenerationOn has some great ideas for families to consider as they celebrate the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. See the Family Guide for volunteering and service project ideas.
In addition, VolunteerMatch.org is a non-profit organization that brings good people and good causes together! Simply type in the location you're looking to serve, and the kind of service or work you desire, even your age group, and find unique opportunities that matter to you, wherever you are.
Semester 1 is coming to a close!
Semester 1 ends on January 27, 2016
Semester 2 begins on February 1, 2017
Please check with your teachers on the last day you may turn in work for Semester 1 grading.
Enrollment for the 16-17 School Year closes on 2/28/17 for all grades.
School Immunizations: Feb. 15 is Exclusion Day - get your shots now if needed!
If you do not meet the state requirements for immunization you will receive an exclusion notice. This is a letter stating that your children must be immunized or will not be admitted to school starting on the school exclusion date.
Parents
- Review the immunization requirements (Spanish version here) and have your child immunized if they are not up to date.
- Fill out a Certificate of Immunization Status Form with the immunization dates for your child. You may also request this form from your child’s school.
- Sign the form and turn it in to your child’s school.
If you receive an exclusion notice, contact your medical provider to have your child immunized. Children who are not up-to-date on their immunizations by February 15, 2017 will be excluded from school until their immunizations are up-to-date.
Families can mail, email or fax Immunization Forms to the ORVA office:
- Email – oregonvirtual@oregonva.org
- Fax – 541-751-8016
- Mailing Address:
Oregon Virtual Academy
400 Virginia Avenue, Suite 210
North Bend, OR 97459
If you have questions, feel free to call our office at 541-751-8060.
January Assessment Updates
You will also be receiving more information soon about our Oregon State Assessments for grades 3rd-8th and 11th grade. You may read here for more information about Oregon's statewide assessment system.
Primary School Enrichment Clubs
Secondary School Grades 9-12: Scheduling Updates!
Can you believe that 2nd semester is right around the corner? This week, counselors and advisors will be reviewing 9th-12th graders' 2nd semester schedules for completeness and accuracy. Year-long core classes such as English and math, will automatically roll over from your 1st semester schedule to 2nd semester. If, however, you do not need a full year of a core credit class that you are currently taking, they will adjust your schedule accordingly.
We need you to select the elective(s) you would like to take next semester! If you have not already done so, please complete the following survey:
https://goo.gl/forms/jrbWhJkJgvyQu2NT2
If you do not complete the survey, you risk not having a complete schedule or getting an elective that has been chosen for you.
Once 2nd semester begins, and you see your new schedule, please inform your advisory teacher or counselor right away if you see any scheduling errors (ex: you’ve been assigned to a class that you have previously successfully completed).
See the course catalog for information about our course offerings.
High School Update: ORVA Work/Volunteer Experience Credit
The first step in the process is to complete and turn in the pre-authorization form (pages 2-4 in the packet) to your counselor. You also turn in your hours logs to your counselor.
At the end of the experience, you need to complete a final project (either PPT or paper/portfolio) which you then share with your counselor and one other support staff member.
Melissa Arrigotti, School Counselor for last names A-K
Meg Feeney, School Counselor for last names L-Z
*Students may earn two (2) elective credits for every 65 hours of unpaid volunteer work or 130 hours of paid employment completed through a local agency, organization, corporation, or educational institution. Students may earn up to two (2) credits for Work Experience during each school year, and two (2) per summer. Any additional credits requested must be approved by the Secondary Academic Administrator and Head of School.
Starting Strong for Second Semester!
As your student prepares to start a new semester, we want to ensure your family has what you need to start strong. To help you, we have gathered essential info you need to get started, including information you will need to create Learning Coach and Student accounts needed to access the Online School.
Mid-Year Sessions are available via Blackboard Collaborate rooms where you can join to get live help and ask general Customer Support questions! The sessions will also include a short presentation from our live moderators to include helpful tips, FAQs and resources to ensure that you are prepared to start school. CLICK HERE FOR SCHEDULE! (Times are listed in EST so be sure to calculate the time zone difference!)
These sessions have been scheduled to assist families that are starting a K12 Virtual option during Second Semester and anyone who is looking to start the second half of the school year strong!
Set Up Learning Coach and Student Accounts
- Follow instructions found here to set up Learning Coach and Student accounts
- You can also view our Setting Up Your Accounts video
- You will need the following information to set up these accounts:
- Registration ID (This can be found in an email you received from Registration@k12.com with instructions on how to setup your Online School Account. Please note that you may need to check your email SPAM folder for this email.)
- 10-digit phone number used during enrollment.
Download Blackboard Collaborate software needed to attend Class and Orientation Sessions
- Download Blackboard Collaborate.
- See our Class Connect for Learning Coaches video.
Attend an Information and Q and A Session
Track your Material Shipment
Click here for information on how to track materials
Stay In Touch with your School
Email is our main mode of communication. You will receive important, timely information via email. Please make sure to check and respond to your email regularly.
- Click here to view a short video about school email.
- If you are unable to access your school email, try these steps
- Students can also set up their school email accounts on their mobile devices. Click here for directions.
Who Can Help Me?
You may also want to check out these short videos with helpful tips from seasoned Learning Coaches
Transitioning to a K12-Powered School
Creating an Effective Learning Environment
Creating Successful Schedules and Routines
TIPS FROM LEARNING COACHES
“Take your time. BE INVOLVED AS A PARENT. Ask questions. Communicate with teachers.”
“Get involved and TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE MANY RESOURCES, including opportunities to be social.”
Student Character Project
Each month we are asking students to nominate a peer or share how you are practicing the month's theme. January's theme is:
Perseverance: the quality that allows someone to continue trying to do something even though it is difficult (Synonyms: persistence · tenacity · determination · staying power)
How do you practice perseverance in your daily lives? Send a story, picture, or video about yourself or a peer and the winners will be announced in our monthly ORVA newsletter and at the monthly school assemblies (7-12) or Homeroom classes (K-6).
Primary K-6 send your nomination to bgross@oregonva.org
Secondary 6-12 send your nominations to tspencer@oregonva.org
Counseling Corner - Katie Lee
It is that time of year again! The days are shorter, meaning less sunshine, and the weather is colder. For many of us, during these cold winter months, we go into hibernation mode. We often feel more lethargic and have less motivation to accomplish everyday activities. Luckily, there are several, scientifically proven, ways to beat the winter blues!
Feeling sluggish after the long break? Try some of these tips to improve your mood and increase your energy level:
- Go outside. Talking yourself into taking a walk when the temperatures plummet isn’t easy, but the benefits are big. Spending time outside (even when it's chilly!) can improve focus, reduce symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), and lower stress levels.Natural light, even when it is cloudy, helps reset our circadian rhythm and hormonal balances; both are factors in our moods. Take a walk at lunchtime; go outside in the morning to do a little stretching or exercising.
- Exercise. Physical activity, especially when done outside several times a week gets the body and mind working together to shift any negative mindset. Exercise has many benefits; it helps us get in touch with our bodies and makes us more aware of the natural flow of life. When we are more conscious of our body, we are more awake and energized too. Exercise reduces depression, anxiety, stress, improves your memory and boosts your overall mood.
- Make your environment brighter. When your body is craving more daylight, sitting next to an artificial light—also called a light box—for 30 minutes per day can be as effective as antidepressant medication. Opening blinds and curtains, trimming back tree branches, and sitting closer to windows can also help provide an extra dose of sunshine.
- Spend time with people you care about. Emotional support from loved ones help us regain our equilibrium and boost positive energy. A suggestion, exercise outside with people you care about and you will get a triple dose of goodness. Spending time with loved ones also strengthens your immune system, when you’re healthier you’re going to feel happier too.
- Eat healthier. More vegetables and less simple carbohydrates like breads, pastas and sweets. People feeling the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) have a tendency to eat sugary and starchy foods; be aware of this craving and you will prevent the sugar highs and lows. When your body is functioning well, you will feel better.
- Give gratitude. Express appreciation to the people who have given you opportunities and much to be thankful for. When we express appreciation for what we have, it triggers positive endorphins, which makes us feel stronger both emotionally and physically. A less known benefit of gratitude is that you’ll sleep better too.
- Turn on the tunes. In a 2013 study, researchers showed that listening to upbeat or cheery music significantly improved participant’s mood in both the short and long term.
- Plan a vacation. Longing for sunnier days at the beach? Research shows that the simple act of planning a vacation causes a significant increase in overall happiness.
- Help others. When we are doing good things for others, we are also positively transformed. Their happiness and improved situation in many ways are transferred to us energetically. Our resilience is enhanced and the stress level is reduced. Ladling out soup at the local shelter or volunteering your time can improve mental health and life satisfaction.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service is Monday, January 16th. Find out how you can participate in your local community at All for Good or the Corporation for National & Community Service.
Melissa Arrigotti, MS, NCC
School Counselor (A-K)
Meghan Feeney, MA, PPS
School Counselor (L-Z)
Katie Lee, MSW
Family Resource Coordinator
Tips for Passing Final Exams at ORVA by Kelly Schuler, 11th/12th Grade Family Support Liaison
Three Weeks before Finals
1. Create your own Study Guide – Some examples:
- Outline format
- Flash cards
- Organize your notes
- Color coded
- PowerPoint
2. Develop a Study Schedule
- What is the best time for you to learn?
- Add break time
- Set alarm reminders
Two Weeks before Finals
1. Review, Review, Review
- Read through your study guide- 1 section at a time and take a break
- Go back to the online curriculum –Review lessons and read through those
- Watch past Class Connect sessions that were review sessions for tests
2. Follow your Study Schedule
- Routines help everyone be more successful
- Don’t forget to take breaks
One Week before Finals
1. Attend all review Class Connect sessions with your teacher
2. Continue to Review your Study Guide
3. Continue to follow your Study Schedule
4. Develop a Daily Routine
- Set an alarm to get up early
- Eat a healthy Breakfast
- Stay hydrated- water is the best
- Get up and move your body on 5 minute breaks to get out of the rest mode
- Go to bed early so that you are well rested
Finals Week
1. Don’t stress as you are now well prepared
2. Follow your Daily Routine
3. Eat a healthy breakfast on the day of your final exam
4. Stay hydrated- remember water is the best
5. Take at least a 5 minute break before the test begins
- Get up and move your body to get out of the rest/sleep mode
- Your brain will be more awake
- Your brain will be energized to work on remembering subject matter
Make it fun
1. It’s easier to focus if you adapt to studying by quizzing yourself, creating acronyms or rewarding yourself for a job well done. Create a game plan – literally – that allows you to accomplish tasks and be rewarded for each.
2. For example, why not reward yourself with a snack after you’ve accomplished a new chapter, or allow yourself five minutes of free time for every chunk of material you digest? Good brain food snacks include nuts, dark chocolate (in moderation), eggs, spinach, blueberries, and pumpkin seeds!
ORVA Learning Coach Luncheon
Come join us for the Learning Coach luncheon. You will see it on your student's or your learning coach class connect schedule. This is a session for Learning Coaches to come meet other Learning Coaches, hear tips and tricks and ways to make your school day go smoothly. We will also do are best to answer any questions that you might have. These luncheons will be at Noon twice per month.
Learning Coach Luncheon Upcoming Dates:
Jan. 11 K-6 / Jan. 25 7-12 Motivating Kids / Fresh Start
Feb. 8 K-6 / Feb. 22 7-12 Successful Class Connect / Staying Organized
March 8 K-6 / March 22 7-12 State Testing Prep and Information / Re-registration
April 12 K-6 / April 26 7-12 Habits of Highly Effective Students
May 10 K-6 / May 24 7-12 Summer Regression / Shipping Materials Back
Special Education Learning Coach Seminars
1/18/17 - Behavior Strategies
2/15/17 - Diploma Options
5/17/17 - Avoiding Summer Regression
Learning Coach University
K12 Learning Coach University™ was created to support the Learning Coaches who guide the schooling of their children at home. Online classes provide a clearer understanding of the developmental process of learning as well as effective strategies and resources to use at home to help every child succeed.
Check out the calendar and recordings pages on the K12 start sites: http://www.k12start.com/for-parents/
Did you know you can earn your Learning Coach Certification? Click here to find out more about this outstanding program!
The next LCU session is scheduled on 12/15 @ 8AM on the Habits of Happy Students
- Have you ever wondered why some kids are more successful than others? Come join us for an interactive session on the 7 Habits of Happy Kids to find out on December 15th 2016. We will meet the Seven Oaks friends and learn how the practice of 7 special habits can help you throughout your life and in school. This session will be interactive and lots of fun! I can’t wait to see you there! CLICK HERE to attend!
Motivate to Activate Series for Learning Coaches
K12 and School Effectively at Home are pleased to offer the Motivate 2 Activate Series, an introduction to principles and techniques that offer suggestions and strategies for Learning Coaches to help their students become motivated and involved in their academic success. Each session is scheduled for 30 minutes of discussion with follow up question and answer. Please join us for the session dates that work for your schedule. One RSVP will keep you informed, and session reminders, recordings, and details will be sent to your email.
UPCOMING SESSIONS IN THE SERIES
January 17th @ 7:30pm ET, 6:30pm CT; 5:30pm MT; 4:30pm PT
Practice Makes Progress
For many students and learning coaches, a structured environment sets them up for the best outcome. If we can establish that structure through the use of procedures, we can make many of the little power struggles that happen during the day disappear.
January 24th @ 7:30pm ET, 6:30pm CT; 5:30pm MT; 4:30pm PT
Game Plan for Chronic Issues
Is your student always breaking down over the same subject or concept? By examining the chronic issues we can recognize problems that our student may have throughout the day. Creating a plan to work from helps us become more effective when schooling at home.
January 31st @ 7:30pm ET, 6:30pm CT; 5:30pm MT; 4:30pm PT
Arguing, Complaining & Whining
These 3 behaviors are typically a way to get us caught up in an argument so the student doesn’t have to do his or her part. Let’s look at a simple skill to diffuse the emotion of the situation and up our odds to keep the day moving forward.
February 7th @ 7:30pm ET, 6:30pm CT; 5:30pm MT; 4:30pm PT
Holding Students Accountable
Learning to use consequences instead of punishments to help motivate students to be successful is key. Practice strategies that develop good consequences that can be effective with students.
February 21st @ 7:30pm ET, 6:30pm CT; 5:30pm MT; 4:30pm PT
Responsibility for School Work
4 steps to help students take ownership of their own learning:
· Help them understand what learning looks like
· Sit back and let them take ownership. Allow them to fail or succeed
· If they fail…..then we hold them accountable with a consequence
· We continue to have high expectations of school work
February 28th @ 7:30pm ET, 6:30pm CT; 5:30pm MT; 4:30pm PT
Why Having Objectives Is So Important
Knowing and understanding daily expectations for Learning Coaches and students makes a happier schooling at home environment. Having an objective that defines a clear target is motivating for all because we know what it’s supposed to look like when it’s done and we can tell when we’ve completed it.
March 7th @ 7:30pm ET, 6:30pm CT; 5:30pm MT; 4:30pm PT
Praise vs. Encouragement
The way we talk to kids gives them a sense of whether they’re accomplishing things or whether we’re just saying nice things to them. “You’re so smart.” Helpful or not? Using encouragement properly motivates students because it demonstrates to them that achievement is a product of their effort.
March 14th @ 7:30pm ET, 6:30pm CT; 5:30pm MT; 4:30pm PT
Helping Students Self-Correct
Oft-times students find themselves in situations that take them down a path that makes their day ineffective. If we can help them self-correct, they will be more likely to be motivated to keep working effectively.
Elementary Spotlight: Lani Chroninger, Kindergarten Teacher
Hi ORVA Families! I am Lani Chroninger, and I am a kindergarten teacher here at ORVA. Kindergarten is the best grade to teach, it’s where the foundations are laid to start off their education. We learn to share, grow, laugh, explore in a safe environment, and see how our hard work pays off.
Teaching is in my genetics with many generations of teachers in my family. This is my 13th year of teaching and I have spent time teaching in Oregon, Hawaii, California, then back to my home state of Oregon. I currently live in Bend, Oregon along with my husband Jim, and our 3 boys. With some time off in the summer with both my husband and I as teachers, we love to travel in our trailer. We are currently knocking National Parks off of our bucket list… 6 down, 3 to hit this summer and more to go after that!
I am very passionate about early literacy. I find it exciting and a challenge to find new ways to encourage students to get excited about learning. I am so fortunate to be working here at ORVA and especially teaching kindergarten. How lucky for me to witness the first time they learn a letter, read a word, read a book, and learn to write and count! Have wonderful year!
Secondary School Spotlight: Michael DeBenedetti, Science Teacher
Hi Team ORVA! My name is Michael DeBenedetti and I teach Chemistry, Physical Science, and Physics. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Biology and a Master’s Degree in Science Education.
This is my first year at Oregon Virtual Academy and my fifth year teaching. My background includes teaching diverse student populations from alternative schools to college preps. I argue science as metaphor and want my students to not just learn the basic concepts of our subject, but take an analytical approach to problem solving, see how science has shaped civilization and culture, and explore ethics and society within the context of a scientific lens.
I enjoy my family life in Gladstone, OR (Go Happyrock Coffee - my Monday work station). I am married to my best friend and have lots of furry pets to keep our house busy. Olive the Shih Tzu is our Chemistry mascot while Dudley and Lucy (our kitty cats) cheer on Physical Science and Physics.
On a personal note, I’m a huge J.R.R. Tolkien fan and try to read every word C.S. Lewis has written. I’m active in my church and try to keep tabs on my Identical Twin who is getting his PhD at Cornell University (who knows if he’s been teaching chemistry every once in a while). Cheers!
Director of Programs, Aaron Cooke
Aaron Cooke is the Director of Programs at the Oregon Virtual Academy. Prior to this he held administrative positions as a principal and coordinator at Portland Public, Brookings-Harbor, and Linn Benton Lincoln ESD.
He taught Social Studies, Math, Marketing, and Computer Applications for Lebanon and Three Rivers Schools. Aaron holds Associate's degrees in Criminal Justice/Social Work and Liberal Arts. He also earned Bachelor’s degrees in History and Education as well as his Master’s in Education from Western Oregon University. He received his administrative credentials from Portland State University. Aaron lives in North Bend, Oregon with his wife Carrie. He enjoys hiking and outdoor photography.
Some fun facts about Aaron: While in high school, he competed at DECA Nationals in the apparel and accessories program. He was also the last state parliamentarian for DECA. While he was a Boy Scout, Aaron set the camp record in archery. And one more amazing fact - he's an ancestor of a signer of the Mayflower Compact!
STUDENT GALLERY
Lightbulb by Joycelyn P., 8th Grade
Photography - Snow Angel by Darian C., 5th Grade
Photography - Cat by Ayla M., 9th Grade
Photography - Winter by Richard F., 6th Grade
Photography - Snow and Winter Scenes by Bay R., 5th Grade
Recipe - Monkey Butter by Donatella D., 3rd Grade
1 20 oz. can crushed pineapple
¼ cup coconut flakes (sweet or unsweetened, you can add up to 1 cup if you like coconut)
3 Tablespoon of lemon juice
3 Cups of sugar
5 Bananas
In a medium sauce pan put pineapple juice and all in to pan. Add lemon juice and slice your bananas straight into pineapple mix and stir after each banana. Next add sugar and stir it till its wet. Then add coconut.
Cook on medium high till boiling then put on low heat until thick keep stirring. Then you could can it if you know how. Or put in a container and keep it in the refrigerator.
Recipe - Easy Apple Pie by Ivy H., 5th Grade
About 9 apples
A glaze
Prepare the pie crust according to instructions, then take the apples and cut them into 5ths, cover them with the glaze and put them in the crust.
K12 Student Clubs
Announcing a new club: K12's GSA club hopes to bring together LGBTQI+ and straight students to support each other, provide a safe place to socialize, and create a platform to fight for racial, gender, LGBTQ, and economic justice. K12’s National GSA Club is open for 6th through 12th grade students in K12 Managed Public Schools Only. Our first club meeting is scheduled for December 15th at 5pm ET. Students can sign up here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/K12GSA
Art Contest Winners
K12's annual art contest was quite a success! We received a number of impressive submissions from students in grades K–12 showing off their artistic abilities. We thank all our winners and participants for sharing what they want to be when they grow up. Click here to view the winners.
Our Creative Students in Action!
1. The Monarch Writers: Our high school student bloggers
2. ORVA Art: A student art website
3. ORVA NHS: A Youtube channel by ORVA's high school NHS Chapter