Virtual Academy Spring Newsletter
Important Information for Families of the Virtual Academy
A note from Mrs. Stout
This brief newsletter is intended to keep our families up to date with the activities at school and we appreciate the time that you take to familiarize yourself as well as add dates to your already-busy calendars. Thank you to all families for a strong start to the second semester. We are past the worst of Winter and quickly approaching everyone's favorite season: Standardized Testing Season!!! (just a joke, I promise :))
In all seriousness, we very much want to encourage all of our students from grades 3 - 11 to take these tests seriously and do their very best. No cramming necessary! Just get a good night's sleep, eat a great breakfast, and come to school ready to give it your all. Most importantly, remember that you are more than a number. :) So many of our students give their all day in and day out - we can't ask for anything more than that. The students of the Virtual Academy are amazing, and I am so privileged to work with them.
Thanks for reading :)
Updated calendar on our website!
THE GREEN ZONE - A NEW REWARD SYSTEM
We would like to begin to reward those students who do the right thing day in and day out. Students who are
- Self Directed - all classes are on pace and earning a C or better and who do not need to be redirected.
- Ask for help when necessary
- Take high-quality notes
- Are considerate of other learners around them.
Will have the opportunity to work out in the lobby on their own device. (This device will still be monitored through go-guardian and testing will still happen in the classroom). Students must check-in with Mrs. Stout to get the "all clear" and may choose their seating in the lobby or classroom. **Please note: if students cease to demonstrate the above attributes, they will be given only 1 warning before being sent back to the classroom**
Think you've got the right stuff? Check in and remember to bring your device!
Steps being taken in regards to Coronovirus concerns
Recently, the district communicated out some information regarding Coronavirus, if you missed that communication, you may read it here:
https://www.homeoftheshamrocks.org/communications.html
At the Virtual Academy, you will be happy to know that we have been encouraging handwashing long before it was trendy :) but we ARE raising the expectation in this area as well. In addition, we are disinfecting the keyboard and mouse daily, we are asking students who have a cough or cold to sneeze and cough into a tissue and then dispose of it. We continue to make hand-sanitizer readily available, and we are reminding students to wash hands before and after they eat. We do believe that we are taking the necessary precautions in order to keep our students healthy. Please talk to us further if you have immediate concerns. Thank you.
Language Arts Workshops
TESTING SEASON IMPORTANT DATES!
As a student at the Virtual Academy, you are required to take all state of Michigan standardized testing which includes SAT and MSTEP. Please add the following dates to your calendar as they apply to you! All testing will take place in the Virtual Academy Conference Room. Please note the start times. Please note: The MSTEP is not timed. Students will be permitted to leave as they complete their test. The PSAT and SAT tests are timed. Students will all be dismissed at the same time.
- 3rd-grade MSTEP: 8 am May 5,6 Makeup day May 8
- 4th-grade MSTEP: 8 am May 5,6 Makeup day May 8
- 5th-grade MSTEP: 8 am May 5,6,7 Makeup day May 8
- 6th-grade MSTEP: 8 am May 5,6
- 7th-grade MSTEP: 8 am May 5,6
- 8th-grade PSAT 8: 12:30 PM Tuesday, April 14 Makeup day 7:45 am April 20 and MSTEP May 5,6,7 Makeup day May 8. (Accommodations testing Wednesday, April 22, 7:45 am)
- 9th-grade PSAT 9: 12:30 PM Wednesday, April 15. Makeup day 7:45 am Friday, April 17. (Accommodations testing 7:45 am Thursday, April 23)
- 10th-grade PSAT 10: 12:30 pm Thursday, April 16 Makeup day 7:45 am Thursday, April 21.
- 11th grade SAT 7:30 am Tuesday, April 14. Makeup 7:30 am Tuesday April 28. ACT Workkeys 7:30 am Wednesday, April 15 Makeup day 7:30 am April 29 MSTEP 11 7:30 am Thursday, April 16 Makeup day Friday April 17
The importance of being on time and present cannot be overstated. Thank you for your help!