River Valley Academy News
An RVA Family Update
March 12, 2021 Edition
Welcome Spring!
Spring is here officially on Saturday, March 20, and graduation is around the corner! Every class is important this time of the year! Please make sure your student attends every class, every day, so all necessary credits are earned for the year!
To help students complete credits for graduation, RVA is offering a Zero Hour this trimester. Students will have the ability to work on six classes, instead of five. Zero Hour will begin at 6:45 AM, every day! Students can sign up for Zero Hour here.
Co-op is also an option for seniors. This opportunity to earn credit for working part-time, is for students who already have a job. If you think you might qualify, stop down to check!
As always, please reach out with any questions, or if there is anything you need!
On behalf of the RVA Staff,
Jenny Thompson
Michigan Merit Exam and the PSAT - Spring Testing
MIchigan juniors are required to participate in the Michigan Merit Exam. The MME is comprised of three different tests: the SAT, the ACT WorkKeys, and M-Step testing.
Sophomores will take the PSAT, to prepare for taking the SAT as juniors. Scholarships are also awarded, based on PSAT scores.
Testing in Michigan is scheduled for the week of April 12 - 16, the week after we return from Spring Break.
Please make every effort to have your student in school when required for testing! It is important to get this graduation requirement completed!
Please note the RVA schedule for MME testing week below. All students should be in school all days, except for Tuesday, April 13, when only juniors may be in the building. Sophomores and seniors should work from home, but there will be NO GOOGLE MEETS on this day, as teachers will be proctoring the SAT. Students may message teachers through Schoology as needed.
Attendance (time and effort) counts!
Attendance will be taken in person and for students working from home for medical reasons, via Google Meet. Attendance rates should be above 90%. Schools are required to track attendance and report to the truancy office. Please check in with your student to make sure they attend over 90% of their scheduled classes! Education still needs to happen, and diplomas still have to be earned! Diplomas are a product of time and effort! Let's make it happen!
In an effort to provide a supportive academic environment to help students reach their goals:
- students without a documented medical excuse who aren't present in school, will be marked absent.
- Students with a documented medical reason to work from home will need to keep their screens on for the entire class period. This will allow teachers to monitor student work.
Thank you for putting your best effort into completing classes and graduating!!
How do I know how my student is doing from day to day?
Edgenuity courses offer parent updates. If you would like to be signed up to receive these, please complete this form. When the form has been processed, you will receive directions for signing up for the Parent Portal along with an access code. You will receive daily updates. If you want specific information on how your student is doing in Edgenuity, ask your student for their login information. If you log in as the student, you can see a more detailed report.
Good questions to ask your student include:
1. Are you attending all class sessions, whether school is in person or remote?
2. Are you completing at least one assignment in each class session?
3. About how far in each course are you?
4. What are you doing well?
5. What can you do better?
Parents and schools are partners in educating students!
It's that time of year: Here come the graduates! Who will be next??
Olivia Howell-Hummel
Olivia enrolled at RVA to complete her last classes needed for graduation. Graduating early, is what kept Olivia motivated to complete her work.
Olivia was nominated for the Chick Evans Scholarship. She was nominated through her job as a caddy at Blithefield Country Club, for her character, and for her work. Olivia was selected from a pool of 90 applicants throughout West Michigan, for this full-ride scholarship!
Olivia plans to attend Michigan or Michigan State University. She wants to pursue a career that allows her to help people, especially children. While she is currently undecided, she is considering becoming a teacher or a pediatrician.
Olivia, it has been a pleasure to have you as a part of RVA. We noticed your work ethic and your positive attitude. I know that whatever career path you chose, you will not only be successful, but you will be a blessing to others.
We wish you all the best, as you achieve this milestone and take your next steps!
Graduation is coming, May 20!
Jenny will be meeting with seniors in the next weeks, to make a realistic plan for graduation. It will be important for students to buckle down and get the work done, to make graduation happen!
Graduation 2020 at Ram's Stadium!
Jobs for Michigan's Graduates (JMG) at RVA!
In addition to the ability to learn these important life skills, students can earn gift cards ranging from $25 to $150 in stackable gift cards! They may even be eligible for up to $10,000 in grant funds to pursue post-secondary/training school expenses!!
Classes will meet right at RVA, during third hour on Tuesdays!
Come find out how Project Northstar can help you transition from high school to college, trade school, or career!
Groups are happening!
If you feel your student would benefit from this support, please contact the office! You can find out more about Arbor Circle and their counseling services here.
KCTC Virtual Open House is March 25! See details attached below!
KCTC Virtual Visits are up and running! There are 3 steps to get enrolled for next year!
If you are a junior or sophomore and you are interested in KCTC for next year, please let Jenny know, by signing up using the KCTC Individual Virtual Visit survey. Step 3: After your individual virtual visit, let Jenny know your interest in getting registered for KCTC next year!
Meet the Recruiter Event – Local Health Care Employers
Tuesday, March 30, 2021, 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
This is a golden opportunity to get job search information directly from local hospital recruiters!
More information and registration at https://www.kentisd.org/educators/career-readiness/students/programs/meet-the-recruiter/
Virtual Pop-Up Professional Panel
Hear from Professionals of Color who have overcome obstacles to gain success within their careers.
Thursday, March 18, 2021 from 2:00 PM – 2:40 PM
Guest: Michael Hopson, Senior Recruiter with UFP Business School
Talk & Tours
Virtual career exploration events designed to increase awareness of diverse careers available in high demand sectors. Meet 4-5 professionals at once. Ask questions!
Upcoming Events
Pharmacy Careers – Meijer Pharmacy
Monday, March 22, 2021, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Law Enforcement- Grand Rapids Police Department - New Date**
Thursday, March 25, 2021 @ 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
For full schedule, information and registration visit: https://www.kentisd.org/educators/career-readiness/students/programs/talk--tour-career-series/
Career Chats - Virtual
Career Chats are designed to provide 7-12 grade students a virtual opportunity to meet real professionals employed in real jobs. This series of 30-40 minute sessions will highlight professions from a variety of career pathways, giving students the opportunity to learn more about a career of interest, or to explore new options. Click here for the full line-up and to register!
Tuesday, March 16, 2021: 3:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Amy Kyes, Clinical Nurse Specialist - Heart & Vascular, Vascular Access Specialist Team
Mercy Health Saint Marys Hospital
Thursday, March 18, 2021: 3:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Karen Foley, Manager,Clinical Services & Ambulatory Social Work
Mercy Health Saint Mary's
Careers in Business
April 13 – May 20
Tuesdays/Thursdays, 3:30pm – 4:00pm
Examples of featured occupations include: CEO, Investment Banker, Consulting Manager, Human Resources, Event Planning and Hospitality, Entrepreneur and MORE.
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN HERE
(Website and promotional flyers coming soon!)
New Kent ISD Program
Explorers
Virtual
We are excited to be offering a new virtual career exploration program designed to give students grades 7-12 a deep dive into a career pathway of interest. Over 6-weeks, students will have the opportunity to meet 12 career mentors through 30-minute Career Chats. These Zoom-based career conversations allow mentors to share their own career path, information about education and daily work, along with valuable industry insights. Additional Explorers activities include self-assessment and conducting an information interview. Students will can earn a Certificate of Completion for college/scholarship applications. Explorers will help young people make educated career choices.
How are you doing? People care and want to help!
RVA has an amazing staff, social worker, and mental health liaison who can listen and connect you to resources!
Ele's Place is a community based organization with the mission to create awareness of and support for grieving children and their families. Please find a very helpful guide for parents - how to support teens, as well as a handout titled, How to Help Yourself: For Teens below.
Area Resources
North Kent CONNECT: (adjusted hours due to COVID-19 precautions)
Mondays and Wednesday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Community Calendar of Services
Mobile Food Pantries: https://www.feedwm.org/findfood/
Assistance with housing, food, utilities:
contact 211 by phone or text (800-877-1107), text your zip code to 898211
Youth in need of shelter: The Bridge 616-451-3001 or 877-275-7792
RVA/RPS Calendar Highlights
March 16: JMG 3rd Hour
March 17: Group 3rd Hour
March 23: JMG 3rd Hour
March 24: Group 3rd Hour/ Early Release for students
March 30: JMG 3rd Hour
March 31: Group 3rd Hour
April 1: Spring Break begins
April 12: School Resumes
April 12-16 MME Testing Week
May 20 : RVA Graduation 2021!
Please reach out with any questions you have or if there is anything you need!
Email: jthompson@rockfordschools.org
Website: http://www.rockfordschools.org
Location: 350 North Main Street, Rockford, MI, USA
Phone: 616-863-6324
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rivervalleyacademy
Twitter: @academy_river