Montgomery Virtual Academy K-5 News
Week of January 3, 2022
A Note from the Dean's Desk
Greetings Montgomery Virtual Academy Voyagers and HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I hope that the winter break has given you and your family time to connect with loved ones. I also hope that you and all those you love and hold dear are healthy and well.
For many of us, the start of the new year is an opportunity to set goals and make New Year's Resolutions. The Leader in Me, which we are launching later this month, promotes goal setting through the 7 Habits such as "Put First Things First" and "Plan With the End in Mind" and setting WIGs or "Wildly Important Goals." In The Leader in Me students will learn that in order for something to be a WIG, they must be able to identify the change "from x to y by when." They will also learn to identify why the goal is important to them and list out the actions they need to take to achieve their WIG. While traditionally in schools, we may have focused on setting academic goals with students, The Leader in Me encourages a more holistic view. By considering the dimensions of Body, Heart, Mind, and Soul, new year goal setting is an opportunity to invite greater balance and wellness into our lives and the lives of our children.
Examples:
Body: Drink more water.
Heart: Spend quality time with family.
Mind: Learn a new skill.
Soul: Do an act of service for someone in the community.
As we move into 2022, I invite you and your family to consider these four dimensions as you set goals and make resolutions. It is my hope that each student in the MVA is able to experience much happiness, growth and success in the year ahead!
Thank you for your ongoing support and engagement on this amazing voyage! Let's make it great week of learning and a great week on purpose!
Mrs. Cassandra Heifetz
Dean
UPCOMING EVENTS
- January 3: Classes resume
- January 3-January 28: Winter MAP Testing window
- January 6: MVA Parent Council Meeting @ 6:30 PM (details below)
- January 10: Deadline to request a return to in-person learning on January 25
- January 12: Early Release Day
- January 17: Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday-Schools and Offices CLOSED
- January 17: MVA Parent Council Restaurant Night Fundraiser (details below)
- January 24: Professional Day for Teachers- NO SCHOOL for STUDENTS
- January 24: Student Pictures for MVA Students (Sign-up only- details below)
- January 25: Marking Period 3/Semester 2 Begins
Requesting to Return to In-Person Learning from the Montgomery Virtual Academy for Marking Period 3
Families who wish to have their child return to in-person learning for the start of Marking Period 3 may do so by January 10, 2022. While we hope families will choose to stay with us until the end of the year, we recognize there are many reasons you may want to have your child attend in-person learning.
There were three possible dates to return to in-person learning between now and Marking Period 3.
December 13, 2021 (Interims) (CLOSED)
January 3, 2022 (following Winter Break) (CLOSED)
January 25, 2022 (start of Marking Period 3/Semester 2)
To provide us notice of your intent to transfer, and to ensure we can provide a smooth transition for your child, please complete this survey by the deadlines indicated below so that we can coordinate with your child’s school.
https://forms.gle/VfJb6X7KSojAJbvh6
- To return on January 25, 2022 complete the form by January 10, 2022
Following completion of the form, notification emails will be sent to the school and confirmation emails will be sent to you.
MVA Enrollment for the 2022-2023 School Year
MAP Testing in January
School Pictures for MVA Students
On Monday, January 24 from 9 AM to 4 PM, there will be three (3) locations in Montgomery County that interested MVA families can select from to have their child's school portrait taken. This is a "no school for students" day, and MVA students will not be interacting with students from other schools.
- Down-county Location: Sligo Middle School,1401 Dennis Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20902
- Mid-County Location: MVA Main Office, 15 West Gude Drive, 2nd Floor, Rockville, MD 20850
- Up-County Location: Roberto Clemente Middle School, 18808 Waring Station Rd, Germantown, MD 20874
We are also exploring offering evening hours at the Rockville location sometime after January 24, depending on demand. In the coming days, a sign-up form and details on picture packages will be provided.
Note: School pictures are not required and sign-up is optional.
MVA PARENT COUNCIL INFO & ANNOUNCEMENTS
The following MVA Parent Council Announcements are being shared as a public information courtesy.
MVA Parent Council Meeting- January 6, 2022
A group of Upper School and Lower School parents have begun the process to organize a PTO/PTA for MVA families. All MVA parents are invited to a Parent Council meeting on Thursday, January 6, 2022 from 6:30-7:30 PM on Zoom to learn more and participate in the formation processes.
Parent Council meeting January 6, 2022 from 6:30-7:30 PM
Join Zoom Meeting
https://mcpsmd.zoom.us/j/82953423803?pwd=aW10ZW5nTGJMTEY1ZUpvK1oyc1lrQT09
- Meeting ID: 829 5342 3803
Passcode: GoVoyagers
One-tap mobile: 13017158592,,82953423803# US (Washington DC)
Ms. Jessica Sherman (Upper School parent) and Ms. Liz Ryan (Lower School parent) have started working on bylaws, mission statement, budget, membership, fundraising and a website. The goals of the January 6th meeting are as follows:
(1) Finalize organization's name, bylaws and mission statement and budget,
(2) Organize/Vote to establish the Board of Directors for this year who can be named on Articles of Incorporation,
(3) Discuss fundraising/donations to pay for the non-profit filing fees and insurance (approximately $1000),
(4) Seek volunteers to help us with the non-profit status, and
(5) Seek volunteers to start committees such as fundraising, social, grant writing, teacher appreciation, graduation, etc. and begin work.
Helpful Links and Websites (Please note: The following links are being shared as a public interest courtesy and are not run, developed, or moderated by MCPS, MVA, or MVA staff)
Draft Mission Statement: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bpFlq9XK8fQBN5UJfMAuztsIskhLNXMMPf2UmkmINH8/edit?usp=sharing
Draft By-Laws: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YPDIT0J2wdJN2SDtZ2kmsCbBbSMchjLGPEeghzlJAN8/edit?usp=sharing
Draft Budget:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1faXEIQPmpab2tSVIRBZKdAEJjAfOCrBJr2uwwMonyWk/edit?usp=sharing
The GoFundMe account for donations to help pay for the filing fees and insurance is: https://gofund.me/e0d20815
Membership Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1jlDCkzKl4bzIYFjM82qNsJWiUy5vQhguQJctHZwi-FE/edit?usp=sharing
Website (Under development): https://vaparentcouncil.godaddysites.com
Unofficial Parent Group called MCPS Virtual Academy Families (Montgomery County, MD): https://www.facebook.com/groups/530674078014807
If you would like to help, volunteer or be a board member, Ms. Sherman can be reached at: parentcouncil@cpjsweb.com
MVA Restaurant Night Fundraiser - Five Guys- January 17, 2022
There will be a Five Guys Dine Out Fundraiser for the start-up of the MVA Parent Council on Monday, January 17, 2022 from 5 PM to 9 PM.
The 4 Five Guys restaurants are:
- Kensington: 10510 Connecticut Ave, Kensington, MD 20895 (tel: 301-933-5400) (https://order.fiveguys.com/menu/five-guys-1694)
- Montrose Crossing: 12029 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda, MD 20852 (tel:301-230-1340) (https://order.fiveguys.com/menu/rockville-pike)
- Rockville Town Square: 130 Gibbs Street, Rockville, MD 20850 (tel:301-762-3500) (https://order.fiveguys.com/menu/rockville-town-square)
- Firstfield: 507 Quince Orchard Rd., Gaithersburg, MD 20878 (tel: 240-912-6745) (https://order.fiveguys.com/menu/five-guys-1851)
Please be sure that MVA families and guests let the Five Guys team members know that you are with the Montgomery Virtual Academy (MVA) when ordering and/or picking up food and beverages on January 17. If ordering online, at pick up, just tell the cashier and they will make note of the order as there is no special code to use.
Stay Informed About School Cancellations, Delays, and Early Closings
- listen to area radio and television stations
- check MCPS TV (Comcast Channel 34/998, Verizon Channel 36, and RCN Channel 89)
- check the Internet at www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org
- check the myMCPS mobile app
- access a recorded telephone message at 301-279-3673
Emergency announcements are also available by signing up for Alert MCPS text and e-mail notifications and on the MCPS Outlook, Twitter, and Facebook accounts.
The Virtual Academy will follow all weather related school delays and cancellations.
When schools open on a 2-hour delay, elementary Virtual Academy students should plan to log in at 10:50 AM so that classes can start at 11:00 AM. The lunch/wellness break will still take place as scheduled from 11:35 AM-12:35 PM.
MEALS
Families can now pre-order meals using the same link each week. (Please see below.) The link will open on Mondays and will close temporarily over the weekend so that the data can be accessed by our Food Services partners. Please note the form is not managed or maintained by the Virtual Academy.
These kits will provide 5 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 7 Suppers and 7 Snacks. These kits will be distributed every Friday from 11:00am - 1:00pm at most locations (see the form for details).
The kits need to be reserved by Friday 12:00 p.m. one week in advance to ensure availability.
Confirmation of order will be sent via email.
Questions regarding meal kits can be sent to the meals drop box:
DFNSMealKitOrders@mcpsmd.orgWe are so grateful to our partners in Food Services!
Parent Volunteers
Are you interested in volunteering during the student day to support your child's teachers and classrooms?
There are a few steps to complete before beginning your service as a volunteer in the Virtual Academy.
- Complete the MCPS Volunteers in the Virtual Classroom form.
- Complete the mandatory online Recognizing Child Abuse and Neglect Training.
- Contact an administrator, counselor, or your child's teacher and provide the following:
- Your completed MCPS Volunteers in the Virtual Classroom Form and
- Your online course grade sheet that will show 100% for completing the online Recognizing Child Abuse and Neglect Training and an 83.3% for submission of the vaccine attestation (a total of 183.33%).
More details and support guides are available at: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/student-leadership/volunteer.aspx
Technology Support for Virtual Academy Families
If you are having technology issues, please submit an e-ticket by emailing your question or issue to communitytechsupport@mcpsmd.org or submit a ticket via the Community Tech Support portal This account is monitored daily and you will receive email notifications throughout the process.
For helpful support guides and screencasts in English and Spanish, please visit https://montgomery.service-now.com/csm. A support guide for the Community Tech Support portal is available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cczbhEXF7x3TBquSMQGUGsxIcqsm_BtG2KBBi_bA0_0/edit
Free English as Second Language Classes for Parents
See this flyer for details:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CWxRzof4pPS95Fi7SjEadPgf3_w39orL/view?usp=sharing
Parents can complete this Interest form to receive a placement test.
COUNSELOR'S CORNER
STRONG PARENTS STRONG CHILDREN PARENT SUPPORT GROUP
Many of our students have experienced trauma over the last 2 years. Some are related to the Covid-19 pandemic and others may be due to another tragic event that happened in their lives.
Sheppard Pratt is offering 6-week Parent Groups meeting once per week to address and offer ideas to support your children. All sessions are held virtually.
Information shared will include:
- how trauma effects children's brains and bodies
- common reactions to stress & trauma and strategies to reduce stress
- new strategies on how to support your child´s emotional well-being
- receive support from other parents experiencing the same with their children
Please see this linked flyer for details.
Ready to Sign Up for the sessions, click this link to register:
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
COVID-19 Vaccinations for Ages 5-11:
https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/covid19/vaccine/children.html
Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center:
https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/gilchrist/
Food Giveaway Events this week:
https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/covid19/get- help/food.html#events
Family And Friends Mental Health Support:
http://namimd.org/family__friend_support
Health Care for the Uninsured (English): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FoOQWe-GVr6ljzHjIxYRcl5VxtdBQCHN/view?usp=sharing
Health Care for the Uninsured (Spanish):
https://drive.google.com/file/d/15Pss-kVuL1IDh7cG1o47PrF0ZWImn1GY/view?
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Find us at...
Email: Cassandra.Heifetz@mcpsmd.net
Website: https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/virtualacademy/
Location: 15 West Gude Drive, 2nd Floor, Rockville, MD, USA
Phone: 240-740-6060
Twitter: @MVA_DeanHeifetz