SBUSD Virtual Academy
Rise and Shine~August 8, 2021
Greetings families
Thank you to all that attended the Back-to-School Night on Thursday, August 5. We appreciate your participation and commitment to learning. I understand the demands on you to work and partner with us as we are teaching our Virtual Academy students. We appreciate the level of commitment from all members, and it is one of the many reasons why instruction at The Virtual Academy will be strong during our school year.
The Virtual Academy staff is committed to building collaborative relationships with our students, families, and community. We look forward to having future interactions when the opportunity arises. I look forward to engaging with everyone this year as well as having a successful year of learning and growth. Thank you.
Happy learning,
Mrs. Syverson
Back to School Recap
New to Online Learning for 2021-2022
Independent study programs will have to meet a higher standard this year. Those requirements include but are not limited to the following:
- Curriculum, instructional minutes, and student-to-teacher ratios must be equivalent to what is offered in-person
- Reported Daily Attendance
- Access to technology and materials must be made available for all students
- Plans to monitor and keep a record of daily participation, which could include online activities, live instruction or completing assignments without teacher supervision
- Plans to support English learners, students in foster care or other high-needs groups
- Meals must be available for students in distance learning if they qualify for free or reduced-price lunches
- Plans to transition students who wish to return to in-person instruction in no less than five instructional days
- Strategies to re-engage students who are absent for several days
- Regular communication between caregivers, teachers, and students regarding a student’s academic progress
Master Agreement
- This is a written document that families of the Virtual Academy must sign in order to attend school beginning 2021-22. It is in accordance with California law that addresses EC 51747 and AB130.
- Master Agreements will need to be completed each school year.
Attendance
- Students not participating in Independent Study on a schoolday shall be documented as nonparticipatory for that schoolday.
Participation
· TK–Grade 3 Daily Synchronous Instruction
- Grades 4–8 Both Daily Live Interaction and weekly Synchronous Instruction
Lack of participation and/or violation of written Master Agreement will require a meeting with teacher, parent, and principal to discuss if the Virtual Academy is the proper placement for student to attend school.
Terms
- Live Interaction -Interaction between the pupil and classified or certificated staff (may include peers). Purpose: maintaining school connectedness, includes wellness checks, progress monitoring, provision of services, and instruction. May take place in person, via the internet, or telephonic communication
- Synchronous Instruction Classroom-style instruction, designated small group, or one-on-one. Delivered in person, via internet, or telephonic communications, and involving live two-way communication between the teacher and pupil. Shall be provided by the teacher of record for the pupil.
SSC & ELAC Members
School Site Council Members
Tracy Rolfe, School Staff, Chairperson
Nadia Escarcega, Parent, Vice-Chairperson
Open position, Parent
Gabriela Padilla, Community Member, Secretary
Brenda Robles, Teacher
Michelle Syverson, Principal
English Learners Advisory Committee Members
Maria Morales, Parent, President
Isabel Guerrero, teacher iguerrero@sbusd.org
Brenda Robles, teacher brobles@sbusd.org
Michelle Syverson, Principal
Superintendent Input
Student Workspace Tips & Reminders
- Find an area in your home that has good lighting.
- Select a desk, table, or another sturdy object to serve as your workspace.
- Have seating that has strong support and is the correct height for your desk and feet.
- Use your headphones to assist in noise reduction(s).
- Make sure the workspace is free of noise and distractions.
- Have your learning materials and daily schedule close by during class instruction.
- Cameras are on and microphones are usually muted. Reminder, when we are "live" in-class sessions, family members in the background need to be dressed and void of inappropriate language. We follow the same rules as if we were in a classroom on campus.
- If you need to meet with the classroom teacher, do not interrupt during class time. Remember that there are other students waiting for the teacher. Please make an appointment so that all students receive their daily instruction free from interruptions.
Student Single Sign In (SSO portal) - REMINDER
If you are new to the Virtual Academy and are unable to access certain accounts. Please be aware that it can take about a week for all systems to communicate with each other.
Issues with Internet
Changes in Meal Distribution - Reminder
Thank you to all that completed the Google Form listed below. I will send out an email confirming your pick-up date/time starting this week. If you have not had a chance to sign up for meals, please complete the form below. You only need to fill out the form once.
Meals will be available for pick up at the Virtual Academy campus only, located at 525 3rd Street Imperial Beach, CA 91932. Meal service is a drive-through operation and we accept walk-ins. Please complete the Google form below to let us know your preferred day and time for pick up.
If you have any questions or concerns about the meal distribution, please contact either Michelle Syverson msyverson@sbusd.org or Mariel Origel at morigel@sbusd.org
additional information:
Update to Attendance - Reminder
Beginning July 2021, ALL attendance items should be directed to Mariel Origel.
We start class at 8:30 am, students are considered tardy if arriving (logging in) between 8:45 am and 9:00 am. We will begin calling families at 10:00 am if a student is not in class and/or if we haven't heard from families of the student that is absent.
To expedite reporting absences, we've created a Google Form located on our website under Our School - Contact Us - Attendance. and listed below.
Everyday Counts
Mariel Origel morigel@sbusd.org 619-628-8900
SBUSD Virtual Academy Location & Social Media
Email: msyverson@sbusd.org
Website: https://sbusdva.sbusd.org/
Location: 525 3rd Street, Imperial Beach, CA, USA
Phone: 619-207-8361
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VAcademySbusd
Twitter: @VAcademySbusd
Upcoming Dates - New
August
Grade Level Distribution/Material Dates: August 10, 12, 24, 26 Check with teachers for specific times & dates
Our office will be open on Tuesday & Thursday of each week if families need to pick up items.
Student Clubs /Electives COMING SOON
August 26 - Board Meeting
August 27 - Student Celebration - Teachers will share the link 12:30 - 1:30 pm
September - first SSC meeting of the school year.
September 6 - Labor Day Holiday
September 9 - Board Meeting
September 20 - October 4 Fall Break
October 14 - Board Meeting
October 22 - Conference Day, No School for Students
October 29 - Report Cards go home