The Howl
IDVA Newsletter - Summer 2020
Newsletter Table of Contents
ALL SCHOOL:
- New and Returning Student Summer Virtual Meet and Greet
- K12 Summer Camps - Grades K-12
- IDVA COVID-19 Response & Support
- Digital Citizenship
- IDVA 2020/2021 School Calendar
- IDVA Board Meetings
- Past Issues of the The HOWL, School Year 2019-20
- Technical Tips Library
- K-5 Summer Enrichment Opportunities
- K12 Brain Boost
- K12 Job Shadow Week
- K12 National Learning Coach Support Sessions in May and June
- Class Connect Powered by Newrow
- K12 App
- K12 Project Elevate
- OLS and OMHS Maintenance Starting June 20th
ALL SCHOOL
New and Returning Student Summer Virtual Meet and Greet
New and returning students are cordially invited to join IDVA staff for a weekly meet and greet each week throughout July.
When: Thursdays in July at 11 am MT/10 am PT
Where: Blackboard Collaborate. Click HERE
What: Meet and greet. This session will be led by IDVA staff. You will have an opportunity to engage in a few online activities, chat with peers, and ask questions as you prepare for the upcoming school year.
Helpful Blackboard Collaborate Resources:
2020 K12 Summer Camps
Our online summer camps are a great way to get connected and stay connected to your school community and other students across the country over the summer. These virtual camps are scheduled from June through August and last anywhere from 30 minutes to one hour per session. Once you register for your grade level, Summer Camp sessions will be available in your Online School each week on Monday. We offer camps at multiple times per week to accommodate multiple time zones and family schedules, so you can attend the day and time that works for you each week. Attend one session or all of them to make new friends, have fun, and explore interesting topics! CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR A SESSION
K–2nd GRADE SUMMER CAMPS
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR A SESSION
LEGO® Camp
There's so much to love about LEGO! Join us for a summer’s worth of LEGO time as we learn and share ways to have fun with these colorful building blocks. Each session will be filled with trivia, games, and building challenges to test your LEGO skills.
Materials Suggestions: LEGO or other building blocks
Youth Jam
Crank up the music and join us for a virtual dance party where students can have fun with music and fitness. This summer camp connects students across the country to get up and be active together.
Super Soap
Join us for story time and hands-on science as we talk about the incredible power of soap! In this 30-minute session, we'll learn about and see firsthand how soap repels germs.
Materials Suggestions: bowl of water, black pepper, and small amount of liquid hand soap
Magic Colors
There are so many ways to have fun with colors. Join us for a 30-minute session as we mix colors, read stories, and experiment with food coloring.
Materials Suggestions: food coloring, shallow bowl, small amount of milk, toothpick or cotton swab, and small amount of dish soap
The Mighty Sun
The sun is the center of our solar system and it provides light for our days as it heats up the place we call home. Join us for a 30-minute session as we discover solar science, read stories, and experiment with the power of the mighty sun.
Materials Suggestions: two glasses or clear plastic cups, ice cubes, water, paper, pencil, and crayons
The Marvelous Moon
On clear nights you can’t miss the beauty of the bright moon surrounded by the stars of our solar system. Come share stories and learn interesting facts about the marvelous moon in this 30-minute camp session.
Materials Suggestions: two or three balls, and a flashlight
Wonderful Weather
We're surrounded by wonderful weather that gives us sunny days, rainy days, and everything in between. Join us for a 30-minute camp session as we share weather stories and experiment with making our own clouds.
Materials Suggestions: empty and clear 2-liter bottle with the top third cut off, hot water, and ice
Rock Bugs
Bugs and spiders, oh my! Join this session if you love the creepy crawly things in life. We will share stories, play games, and try our hand at building our very own rock bugs.
Materials Suggestions: rock, pipe cleaners, straws or twigs, glue, paint, and paint brush
Leafy Art Inspirations
Nature often inspires art, and in this summer camp we'll have fun with items we collect from our own backyards. Look around outside your home to find leaves and items in nature that inspire you.
Materials Suggestions: leaves and other found items, printer paper, and crayons
3rd–6th GRADE SUMMER CAMPS
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR A SESSION
LEGO® Maker
Do you love to build and use your imagination to make different creations? LEGO building blocks provide a wonderful way to let your creative juices flow. In this session, we'll explore LEGO engineering and discover what being a maker really means.
Homemade Greeting Cards
Homemade cards are a great way to bring smiles and joy to others. In this session, we'll learn about how we can use items around the house to make beautiful and thoughtful cards. You can use these for birthdays, thinking-of-you cards, friendship cards, and much more.
Materials Suggestions: cardstock, construction paper, printer paper, glue, scissors, markers, crayons, and items to be creative such as buttons, pressed flower petals, yarn, or ribbon
Salt Dough Ornaments
Making homemade ornaments can be so much fun! In this session, we'll get our hands dirty learning how to make salt dough ornaments. They can be made in many different shapes and sizes, so be prepared to get creative.
Materials Suggestions: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 cups salt, 1 cup of water, cookie cutters, rolling pin, and help using the oven
Rainy Day Fun
Do you ever have those days where you're stuck inside and just don’t know what to do? This session is perfect for a rainy day. We will learn some fun, creative ways to keep our bodies and brains moving regardless of the weather. Some examples include balloon tennis, crepe paper laser maze, floor maze, and ring toss.
Materials Suggestions: paper plate, balloons, crepe paper, masking tape, empty paper towel roll, paint stir stick or other item to make a tennis paddle, and imagination
Balloon Rockets
3-2-1 blast off! Did you know that you can make a balloon fly through your room on a straw? Let’s discover different ways to build a balloon rocket.
Materials Suggestions: string, balloon, straw, tape, and other items from around the house
Canvas Tape Art
In this session, we explore the possibilities of creating art using tape and paint. You'll love these fun, eye-catching painting ideas. Bring your creativity and imagination to this session.
Materials Suggestions: blue painter's tape, small canvas or thick, heavy paper, and paint brushes
Homemade Foosball Box
Foosball is a game that's been around for a long time. And we can build this game right at home so you can play with your family and friends. Let’s go for the goal!
Materials Suggestions: 12 large craft sticks, a large shoe box, dowel rods, scissors, tape, glue, markers, and help from a grown up
Duct Tape DIY
There are so many creative uses for Duct Tape. It can be so much more than a fix all. In this camp we will explore interesting facts about this amazing tape, and create some super fun projects. Suggested supplies: Duct Tape
Cooking
For the love of cooking—join us for a fun session about some great cooking strategies and tips for fun summer dining. We will be making some delicious pico de gallo, guacamole, and healthy summer popsicles. Suggested supplies: tomatoes, red onion, limes, cilantro, avocados, fresh or frozen strawberries, honey or sweetener of choice, and cream (can be substituted with almond milk, coconut milk, or Greek yogurt)
Towers and Bridges
Towers and bridges are amazing architectural creations, the engineering of which has created some of the world's most famous designs. In this session, we will learn about some of the different architectural features and designs around the world and what makes towers and bridges so interesting. You will be challenged to build your own creation with materials you have around the house.
Materials Suggestions: paper, blocks, tape and other materials you think might work
6th –8th GRADE SUMMER CAMPS
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR A SESSION
LEGO® Maker
Do you love to build and use your imagination to make different creations? LEGO building blocks provide a wonderful way to let your creative juices flow. In this session, we'll explore LEGO engineering and discover what being a maker really means.
MythBuster Building Challenge
What happens if we huff, and puff, and blow the house down? In this engineering session, you'll put on your thinking cap and challenge your STEM skills. Can a structure made of only marshmallows and toothpicks hold up to the test? Learn how to build a structure using a few household items and see if your design can take the blow!
Materials Suggestions: toothpicks (one small box), mini marshmallows (one bag), paper plate, 100 or more pennies
MythBuster Building Challenge Showcase
This session will showcase the students that took the MythBuster Challenge. We'll share the projects completed by students who put their engineering skills to the test. Can you predict which designs will work the best?
Chemistry Chaos
Chemistry can be messy and fun, and in this summer camp session, we'll make sure it's both! You'll explore the world of chemistry with cool demonstrations and conduct your own chemical reaction!
Materials Suggestions: hydrogen peroxide, packet of yeast, food coloring, dish soap, empty soda or water bottle, mixing cup, paper towels, and a spoon
Egg Drop Challenge
Which came first—the chicken or the egg? The answer doesn’t matter in this challenge! Come and design a safe transport for your egg to drop from the sky. We'll see which designs can keep the egg fully intact! This is a great STEM project for testing hypotheses while learning about physics, fluid dynamics, and materials science.
Materials Suggestions: an egg, sandwich bag, box of toothpicks, string, scissors, four paperclips, five cotton balls, strong tape, five pipe cleaners, five rubber bands, printer paper, newspaper, cardboard, three plastic cups, and three balloons
DIY “Junkbot” Robot
Have you ever wanted to build a robot? This summer camp session is for you! Building "junkbots" is a fun activity where you can turn recycled materials—like plastic bottles and cardboard tubes—into robots. BEEP … BOOP … BEEP!
Materials Suggestions: motor with batteries (could be from an electric toothbrush or a hardware store), strong tape or adhesive, and decorative items or recycled materials for construction such as empty soda bottles, cardboard tubes, popsicle sticks, or straws
DIY “Junkbot” Robot Challenge Showcase
This session will showcase the students that took the “Junkbot” Challenge. We will share the projects completed by students who put their engineering STEM skills to the test. Get ready for the robots!
Duct Tape DIY
There are so many creative uses for Duct Tape. It can be so much more than a fix all. In this camp we will explore interesting facts about this amazing tape, and create some super fun projects. Suggested supplies: Duct Tape
Virtual Field Trips
Behold, the world is yours to explore! Join us as we virtually travel around the world exploring different countries and amazing sites. Grab your virtual passport, and let's tour the world together.
Cooking
For the love of cooking—join us for a fun session about some great cooking strategies and tips for fun summer dining. We will be making some delicious pico de gallo, guacamole, and healthy summer popsicles. Suggested supplies: tomatoes, red onion, limes, cilantro, avocados, fresh or frozen strawberries, honey or sweetener of choice, and cream (can be substituted with almond milk, coconut milk, or Greek yogurt)
Comic Book Makers
Have you always wanted to design your own comic book? Now is your chance! This camp will cover the development basics of a comic storyboard, designing characters, and then digitally converting the art into a paneled structure to share with your friends and family.
9th-12th GRADE SUMMER CAMPS
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR A SESSION
Esports Camp
An introduction into esports., students will spend time learning about esports and have an opportunity to match up and play with other students inside K12. Students will also learn about careers in esports, school work and gaming life balance, teamwork, leadership and future esport opportunities at their school. Students will then be matched up to play with other students within K12. Each of the three weeks will feature a different game including Rocket League, Super Smash Bros Ultimate and Fortnite. Students are responsible for providing their own PC or console and game license.
LEGO® Maker
Do you love to build and use your imagination to make different creations? LEGO building blocks provide a wonderful way to let your creative juices flow. In this session, we'll explore LEGO engineering and discover what being a maker really means.
MythBuster Building Challenge
What happens if we huff, and puff, and blow the house down? In this engineering session, you'll put on your thinking cap and challenge your STEM skills. Can a structure made of only marshmallows and toothpicks hold up to the test? Learn how to build a structure using a few household items and see if your design can take the blow!
Materials Suggestions: toothpicks (one small box), mini marshmallows (one bag), paper plate, 100 or more pennies
MythBuster Building Challenge Showcase
This session will showcase the students that took the MythBuster Challenge. We'll share the projects completed by students who put their engineering skills to the test. Can you predict which designs will work the best?
Chemistry Chaos
Chemistry can be messy and fun, and in this summer camp session, we'll make sure it's both! You'll explore the world of chemistry with cool demonstrations and conduct your own chemical reaction!
Materials Suggestions: hydrogen peroxide, packet of yeast, food coloring, dish soap, empty soda or water bottle, mixing cup, paper towels, and a spoon
Egg Drop Challenge
Which came first—the chicken or the egg? The answer doesn’t matter in this challenge! Come and design a safe transport for your egg to drop from the sky. We'll see which designs can keep the egg fully intact! This is a great STEM project for testing hypotheses while learning about physics, fluid dynamics, and materials science.
Materials Suggestions: an egg, sandwich bag, box of toothpicks, string, scissors, four paperclips, five cotton balls, strong tape, five pipe cleaners, five rubber bands, printer paper, newspaper, cardboard, three plastic cups, and three balloons
DIY “Junkbot” Robot
Have you ever wanted to build a robot? This summer camp session is for you! Building "junkbots" is a fun activity where you can turn recycled materials—like plastic bottles and cardboard tubes—into robots. BEEP … BOOP … BEEP!
Materials Suggestions: motor with batteries (could be from an electric toothbrush or a hardware store), strong tape or adhesive, and decorative items or recycled materials for construction such as empty soda bottles, cardboard tubes, popsicle sticks, or straws
DIY “Junkbot” Robot Challenge Showcase
This session will showcase the students that took the “Junkbot” Challenge. We will share the projects completed by students who put their engineering STEM skills to the test. Get ready for the robots!
Comic Book Makers
Have you always wanted to design your own comic book? Now is your chance! This camp will cover the development basics of a comic storyboard, designing characters, and then digitally converting the art into a paneled structure to share with your friends and family.
Virtual Field Trips
Behold, the world is yours to explore! Join us as we virtually travel around the world exploring different countries and amazing sites. Grab your virtual passport, and let's tour the world together.
Cooking
For the love of cooking—join us for a fun session about some great cooking strategies and tips for fun summer dining. We will be making some delicious pico de gallo, guacamole, and healthy summer popsicles. Suggested supplies: tomatoes, red onion, limes, cilantro, avocados, fresh or frozen strawberries, honey or sweetener of choice, and cream (can be substituted with almond milk, coconut milk, or Greek yogurt)
Duct Tape DIY
There are so many creative uses for Duct Tape. It can be so much more than a fix all. In this camp we will explore interesting facts about this amazing tape, and create some super fun projects. Suggested supplies: Duct Tape
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR A SESSION
What is digital citizenship?
Digital citizenship refers to the responsible use of technology by anyone who uses computers, the Internet, and digital devices to engage with society on any level.
Good digital citizenship includes practicing safe, responsible and legal use of technology. A good digital citizen will empathize with others, and use technology in a positive way.
How to talk about digital citizenship for parents
courtesy of CommonSenseMedia.org
Start by reading up on what's going on in your kids’ world (for younger kids and older kids). Ask them to show you what they like online, and why. Make sure to listen :) Then, express a few basic expectations such as those listed below.
- BE KIND. Try to instill a sense of empathy in your kids. Remember: there’s someone else on the other side of the screen.
- KEEP PRIVATE THINGS PRIVATE. Talk about what’s OK for kids to share online and what’s not.
- DON’T BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU SEE. Just because it’s online doesn’t make it true. Not everybody is who they say they are.
- DON’T OVERSHARE. Think before you post. Use privacy settings.
- STAND UP FOR OTHERS. If someone’s getting bullied or picked on, speak up, report it, or reach out.
Click HERE for specific tips for teaching these skills to younger and older kids.
More Resources
- Common Sense Media resources on digital citizenship.
- Net Cetera: Chatting with Kids about Being Online Published by the Federal Trade Commission
- Interland: Be Internet Awesome Free online game developed by Google which provides key lessons of digital safety with hands-on practice.
IDVA 2020/2021 School Calendar
To view IDVA's 2020/2021 School Calendar, please, use this link to Download the 2020-2021 Academic Calendar [PDF].
IDVA Board Meetings
The Idaho Virtual Academy Board of Directors holds a meeting the second Tuesday of each month at 7 pm Mountain Time August through June. The public is welcome to join these meetings.
IDVA Board Meeting BBC link: http://tinyurl.com/IDVABoard
Past Issues of The HOWL
Technical Tips Library
Summer Enrichment Opportunities
Keep kids learning during vacation with these great activities, from road-trip bingo to ice cube experiments, and much more. Click here for fun!
K12 National News
The last few months have been tough, and you have been amazing! Summer is just around the corner and we have some exciting courses that you can access to keep your joy of learning going even though we’re not together.
The Brain Boost courses give you a way to explore the Online School, play games, read books, and simply have fun.
Don't forget to log in starting on June 15th to relax a bit and explore the Brain Boost summer program with your student.
K12’s 2nd Annual Job Shadow Week is Open for Registration
Job Shadow Week is a national career readiness education initiative that exposes high school students to the world of work, and invites business professionals to share what they and their colleagues do, show students what their workplaces look like, and explain the training or education required to enter their field or company.
During the week of July 13-17th students will shadow companies, businesses, and industries through live sessions, recorded sessions, and additional content – all from the safety of their homes.
Job Shadow Week is available at no cost and is open to all students of public, private, charter, and virtual high schools.
Students can chat with industry experts from NASA, Motion Pictures Association, YouTube, Google, and many more!
For more information and to register, visit www.jobshadowweek.com.
K12 National Learning Coach Support Sessions in May and June
K12 is passionate about helping Learning Coaches be successful. Learning Coaches of students enrolled in a K12-powered school have access to Learning Coach programming, which includes interactive live sessions that cover relevant topics throughout the school year and provide an opportunity for Learning Coaches from across the nation to learn together. Register and join these tuition-free sessions hosted in Class Connect. We look forward to connecting with you.
Class Connect Powered by Newrow
Starting in school year 2020-2021, you may start to see some changes in Class Connect! Your teachers may begin to use our new collaboration platform, Newrow, for some Class Connect sessions to provide an even more engaging live class session experience. Check out these videos to learn more about Class Connect powered by Newrow, coming in fall 2020!
K12 App
Try the K12 App!
• Getting Started Resources
• Track Student Progress
• Check Your Daily Schedule
• Contact Teachers & Support
• Get Timely Notifications
K12 Project Elevate
Do you have a great story to tell about your student(s) and the role that online school has played in their lives? Are you interested in sharing your story with local reporters and media outlets?
If so, please submit it to Project Elevate, our story-collection tool, and we’ll contact you for possible media opportunities. You can submit your story online or via the free K12 Project Elevate app for iOS and Android devices.
OLS and OMHS Maintenance Starting on June 20th
K12 is continually investing in our digital infrastructure to improve the speed, security, and reliability of our applications and systems. To achieve this, there is a planned 24-hour maintenance scheduled to start at 3:00 a.m. Eastern on Saturday, June 20th and extend through 3:00 a.m. Eastern on Sunday, June 21st.
During this time, the K-5 OLS and Online Middle and High School systems will be unavailable. If attempting to log in during this timeframe, you will receive a message indicating the system is currently unavailable.
To prepare, please ensure any assignments, online work, etc., is completed prior to the maintenance window.
Have a Question?
Have questions about your classes or our Idaho Virtual Academy school? Ask your IDVA teacher or staff.
Have technology questions? Ask K12 Customer Support.