OVCA High School Bison Blast
November 2017
Check out this video of a current OVCA student sharing her powerful story of how OVCA has changed her life!
In this issue...
College Corner
Tech Tip
Learning Coach and Student Resources
Upcoming Events
OKC Laser Quest and Tulsa Laser Quest
November 3rd: Virtual Outing
Link will appear on your Class Connect Schedule
November 9-10: Virtual Parent/Teacher Conferences
November 10: No School (Virtual Parent/Teacher conferences)
Conference Times below and Links will appear on your Class Connect Schedule
November 10th: Veteran's Day Activities
Midwest City Parade @10am Museum @1pm
November 14th: OSU College Visit for High School students
12pm-2pm. See flyer below.
November 21: Art Show Submission Deadline
November 22-24: No School (Thanksgiving Break)
December 1: Ice Skating and Gingerbread House Contest
Blazers Ice Rink in Oklahoma City; Oilers Ice Center in Tulsa
December 7: OU College Visit for High School Students
2:30pm-4pm
Hope you will plan to join us for some fun at our outings this year!
November Outing!
Sign up here!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfR8iNM3hfa1lHwG6KiUkN6ziNldQAHmZneb46Ng1rUys9ndg/viewform
OVCA Spirit Wear-Prom Fundraiser!
https://ovca17.itemorder.com/sale
Proficiency Based Testing
Proficiency Based Promotion is a process that awards credit for students’ knowledge allowing them to test out of certain courses or grade levels depending on the grade the student is in.
For students in grades K-8 in order to promote an entire grade level the student is required to take and pass a proficiency test in person in all core subjects. (Math, English, Science, and Social Studies) Opportunities for students to do this will be provided May – August. If your student is currently advanced in one subject area you may work with your homeroom teacher to create an individualized plan to ensure your student may progress at the rate best for the student which may include assessing out of set units/chapters in order to advance to the next grade level curriculum in one or more courses.
Students in high school in grades 9-12 students may test per course to earn high school credit. If your high school student is interested participating in proficiency based testing there is an opportunity in person on November 17th. Failure to demonstrate proficiency will not be noted on the student’s transcript. Students who do not demonstrate proficiency may submit another request to sign up for proficiency based testing during the next testing window. For example, if your student is currently taking Algebra I but has the academic ability to pass a proficiency test to show proficiency in Algebra 1 then your student may test out of the course earning Algebra I credit.
In order to sign up please click this link: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0b4bafaf23a5f94-proficiency
The sign up must be completed no later than November 7, 2017 for the November test. Further testing opportunities and sign-ups will be available late spring for summer testing.
All proficiency based testing must be completed in person. The school provides opportunities for the testing to take place multiple dates and location during summer months for all grades and an additional date during the month of November for HS students.
Questions: Email Nicole Ellison at nellison@okvirtual.org
Virtual Parent/Teacher Conferences
November 9th (Thursday Evening)
6:00pm-8:00pm
November 10th (Friday Morning)
8:00am-11:00am
No School for students
November 10th (Friday Afternoon)
12:00pm-3:00pm
No School for students
Veteran's Day Activities!
OSU Campus Tour
Sign up here!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSccrJPiFdxkBKZEFxHA7VJvCjNhgTzaoEekdD8dGIuJG3koIg/viewform
4th Annual OVCA/ISOK K-12 Online Art Show!
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
More information to come
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/viewform17-18 SY Prom Theme
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
November is Fire Safety Month!!
Watch this horrific video of how long it takes for a Christmas tree to ignite and fill a room with fire and smoke: http://viewpure.com/GQT8yOYJKxQ
After watching this video – ask yourself these important questions:
· Do the batteries in your smoke alarms need to be replaced?
According to FEMA smoke alarms that are powered by ‘battery only’ run on either a disposable nine-volt battery or a non-replaceable 10-year lithium battery. Alarms that get power from your home’s electrical system, usually have a back-up battery that will need to be replaced once a year.
o Safety Messages about Smoke Alarms: http://www.nfpa.org/safety-information/for-consumers/fire-and-safety-equipment/smoke-alarms/safety-messages-about-smoke-alarms
· Do you need to take additional “safety” precautions against fires during the holidays?
Check out these ‘Safety Tips’ from the National Fire Protection Association:
§ Get Ahead of the Winter Freeze (PDF, 352 KB)
§ Halloween (PDF, 348 KB) Updated 9/9
§ Winter holidays (PDF, 962 KB)
§ Thanksgiving (PDF, 868 KB)
§ Christmas trees (PDF, 1 MB)
o Additional Safety Tips can be found on this page:
§ http://www.nfpa.org/safety-information/safety-tip-sheets
Does Your Family have a plan?
o Watch the video and download the planning materials to plan a fire-escape for your family by following this link:
College Corner
National Awards Program Seeking Oklahoma's Top Youth Volunteers Of 2018
Through November 7, 2017, The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards is looking for Oklahoma's top youth volunteers of the year. Students in grades 5-12 are invited to apply for 2018 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards if they have made meaningful contributions to their communities through volunteer service within the past 12 months. The application is available at http://spirit.prudential.com and www.nassp.org/spirit.
To apply for a 2018 Prudential Spirit of Community Award, students and certifiers must complete the following steps:
- Students complete the online application by November 7, 2017.
- Then, students submit the application for certification to their principal or head of a local participating organization.
- Certifiers review all applications for their school or organization, then select a Local Honoree to nominate for state-level judging by November 17, 2017.
Applications can be certified by a middle or high school principal or head of a Girl Scout council, county 4-H organization, American Red Cross chapter, YMCA or an affiliate of Points of Light's HandsOn Network. (Students can request a paper application by calling 855-670-4787.)
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.
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
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.
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!
Tech Tip: Need to Take a Screenshot? Use the Snipping Tool
PC Snipping Tool and Print Screen for Windows 7 or above (they can always use the print screen feature for almost any windows version, but Windows has included this awesome new tool called the Snipping Tool.
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, November 1st 4pm – Behind? How to get back on track!
Wednesday, November 8th , 4pm – Staying Motivated
Wednesday, November 15th, 4pm – Being an LC to multiple students
Wednesday, November 22nd Thanksgiving Week – No Wednesday Workshop
Wednesday, November 29th, Healthy Balance (Wearing Multiple Hats of LC and Parent)
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.
Keep your Computer Running Smoothly
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.