NCVA Beacon Herald
SEPTEMBER 2021
Our Mission
Head of School Message
The school year is off to a great start. The students are transitioning into the 2021-22 school year very nicely. Our veteran and new teachers have accepted the new challenges in front of them and are creating remarkable lessons and creating engagement.
Thanks to all of you that have taken the NWEA diagnostic assessment. For those who have not taken it yet, make-up sessions will appear on your class connect schedule. Teachers began their class connect sessions with building a sense of community with their students. This will be one of the ongoing goals for our school this year: building relationships.
Information regarding third graders taking the state required Beginning of Grade Assessment has been sent to families. Please check your spam folder if you have not received information. Thank you for your hard work so far and I look forward to continued success.
Sincerely,
Marcia Simmons, Head of School
Important Dates
*See your Class Connect Schedule in the Online School for Virtual Sessions.
- August 30-September 3: 3rd Grade BOG State Testing (See your e-mail for testing dates and assignments.)
- September 6: Labor Day Holiday (School Closed)
- September 9: Beacon Time (K-1st and 2nd-3rd)
- September 9: LC Speaker: "Natural Techniques" RSVP
- September 11: Patriot Day Remembrance
- September 16: Beacon Time (4th-5th)
- September 17: NCVA Adventure Day/Outing Events *Details TBA via e-mail
- September 24: LC Speaker: "Supporting Different Learning Styles" RSVP
~Save the Dates~
October 8: NCVA Adventure Day/Outing Events
*In person events are pending the developing COVID regulations. Details will be e-mailed to families.*
NCVA School Calendar SY 21-22
K12 Support 1-866-512-2273
Trouble Logging in?
- Clear cache and cookies weekly. Click HERE to find out how to use this common troubleshooting trick.
- Power off your computer nightly to allow for automatic system updates.
Are You New to NCVA?
HOW DO I GET STARTED?
- Complete "Online Learning Course" on your student's plan by Friday of your first week.
- Set-up your work space and organize course materials.
- Make contact with your Student Support Advisor.
- Complete NWEA Beginning of Year Assessments as scheduled
New Students: All sessions will be listed as "REQUIRED." The Student Support Team will continue hosting W.O.W. sessions for families that are enrolled throughout the year. Please attend the live sessions on your student's Class Connect schedule beginning at 8:30 a.m.
Newrow is here!
- Use the Google Chrome browser.
- Close all additional websites, apps, and browser tabs on your computer.
- When you log in to Class Connect, be sure to click "Activate" to allow use of your speaker, camera, and microphone. This will allow you to hear your instructor.
- Conduct a Quick Tech Check to ensure your device(s) are working properly.
- REFRESH your browser if you have difficulty during class.
All set! Your teacher may use a virtual waiting room before time for the session to begin.
*Please bookmark this link for troubleshooting and support as needed throughout the year.
School Resources
NCVA Handbook SY 21-22
NCVA Family Directory SY 21-22
COMING SOON!
Be on the look-out for a request to register for the NCVA Family Directory for SY 21-22. It will be maintained right here in the Beacon Herald Newsletter for your reference. This is a great way for Learning Coaches (LC) and students to maintain connections outside of class. In the meantime, download the K12 App to your mobile device and join us in the LC Community!
BONUS! Opt-in facilitates students connections outside of school!
Family Engagement Plan SY 21-22
SY 21-22 NCVA Annual Health Notification
Per NC State and K12 guidelines, NCVA is required to provide families important immunization and health information annually. This includes updates for SY 21-22. Please review the NCVA Annual Health Notification SY 21-22 closely and save it for future reference.
Be sure to follow-up with your local health care provider or local health department with additional questions as it pertains to your student(s). We wish your family a happy and healthy school year!
NCVA provides additional support to qualifying students
You may be eligible for assistance through the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.
A student is considered homeless if they lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, and may be considered eligible for services if he or she is presently living:
- In temporary shared housing, a shelter, or transitional living program
- At a bus station, park, car, or abandoned building
- Sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason
- Living in motels, hotels, or camping grounds due to the lack of alternative adequate accommodations
- Living in emergency or transitional shelters
- Living in a public or private place not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings
- Living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings
- Migratory children living in the above circumstances
- Unaccompanied youth living in the above circumstances
We are committed to meeting the needs of all children. If you feel your child may qualify, or if you have questions, please contact Paige Adams, Homeless Liaison & Student Resource Coordinator, at padams@ncvacademy.org or at 919-346-0121 ext. 2030.
September Events
Stride Serves: Community Service
Million Mile 2021: September 1st-September 30th
*School Mileage Goal: 1,500 miles (Starting September 1st)
School Fundraising Goal: $1,500.00
Join our team at https://www.alexslemonade.org/mypage/2516122 today!
Contact Jillian Davenport at jdavenport@ncvacademy.org with questions. Go NCVA!
- TRACK your service hours here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/K12Cares
- SHARE: Use the hashtag #StrideServes when making any posts. You can also upload any images or videos here: https://www.tintup.com/t/strideserves
Awareness Events
Patriot Day Remembrance: 9/11
Hispanic Heritage Month
Library Card Sign-up Month
7 Mindsets
7 Mindsets at NCVA!
This school year, NCVA will be implementing a character education program called 7 Mindsets. Mindset based social emotional learning (SEL) identifies the patterns of thoughts which influence our feelings, actions and decisions. It leads to intrinsic motivation that enables a growth mindset in adults and students. Individuals who have a firm belief in their potential, an optimistic vision of the future, and a strong sense of personal authenticity perform better academically and forge more substantial relationships in life. We want nothing more than for our students to believe that they CAN do what they set their minds to in and out of school.
Each month this school year, student will be introduced one of the below mindsets in either the classroom, through our School Counselor Corner lessons, MS/HS Beacon Times, and advisor social sessions.
September Mindset: Everything is Possible!
Socialization
REGISTER TODAY for NCVA Clubs!
NCVA teachers and staff will be hosting a small number of Clubs for students in grades K-12 starting in September. Activities are based on staffing availability. Check-out our school-based activities for 21-22. Additional opportunities will be available throughout the year from the Stride K12 National team as well. Have fun!
*Please contact the appropriate Club Organizer with additional questions regarding a specific Club or actiity.
Stride Clubs for K12 Powered Schools
The national team sponsors Clubs and Challenges for students attending Stride K-12 Powered schools. New activities typically run from September-May. Check out the Stride K12 Clubs Smore HERE!
Student and Family questions about Stride K12 National Clubs & other National Programming may be directed to clubs@k12.com .
Stride K12 National News
Stride K12 National Newsletter
Join the LC Community!
You can access our school’s LC Community from the K12 App by logging in with your Learning Coach credentials and clicking the Community tab at the bottom.
Don’t have the K12 App? Download the K12 App on your iOS or Android device today!
Join us at www.learningcoachlife.com!
K12 Student ID Cards
K12 Learning Liftoff Newsletter
School News and Updates
Attendance Corner
Welcome back! Our first day of school is Monday, August 16th. Our Student Support Team will be hosting orientation-style sessions during our Week of Welcome (W.O.W). Sessions will begin in promptly at 8:30 a.m. NWEA Beginning of Year Assessments will also be scheduled during the first week as well. Attendance Training is required of Learning Coaches during W.O.W. to ensure you get off to a strong start!
To meet state attendance requirements, Learning Coaches will need to log a minimum of 6 hours for their student daily. Though live Class Connects and daily lessons may be less than usual the first week, please log the time under the "Online Learning" Course. This is for both new and returning families. You will use this course ONLY during the first week of school. Best wishes to all!
Keys to Successful Attendance:
1. Attend all required LIVE Class Connect Sessions
2. Complete all lessons and assignments due for the day
3. Make up any over-due lessons
4. Manually log ALL attendance in the Learning Coach (LC) Account of OLS under the Attendance Tab
UPDATE Your Contact Information
Please ensure your phone number and e-mail are up to date in the OLS under your LC Account.
- Change of Address: Proof of Residence (utility bill, lease, home owner's statement) is required to update your physical address. Please complete the following link as soon as possible.
Elementary School Updates
Welcome!
Hello! We have had a GREAT month at NCVA! We are starting to get into the routine of things, and everyone has seemed to acclimate well. I am so proud of you all, and I am so happy that you are a part of our NCVA family!
Dates to Remember
- September 6th: No School - Labor Day
- September 7th-8th: Kindergarten and First Grade NWEA
- September 17th: Outing Day
- September 27th-October 1st: Check-In Tutorial (3rd-5th Grades)
TIPS FOR SUCCESS
- Check your email DAILY - This should be done multiple times a day.
- Always check your class connect schedule in the morning when you log in.
- Attend all "required" class connects. These are mandatory.
- Log those PE/Health hours every week!
- Participate – If you don’t like to talk on the mic, please answer in the chat box or use your polling tools. Let us know you are there and trying. If you will work for us, we will work for YOU!
- Ask questions – Please, please ask questions. We need to know how we can help. For those of you that are shy about asking questions in class, please email us!
- Keep that Tech Support number handy – If you have technical issues, call them! They’re available 24-7. Technical problems are not an excuse for not completing work. The number is 866.512.2273 – put it somewhere you can refer to it easily!
- Save ALL of your passwords and important information somewhere you can find it. You MUST know your NCVA email, your Student ID Number, your Go Formative username and password (for this year, returning students!). Keep them all in one place so that you're not locked out when you have important things to do!
Is Your Student Reading Daily?
- Helps in language development
- Promotes brain development
- Aids in understanding of a world outside of our own
- Strengthens family relationships
- Provides endless possibilities!
Meet Your Elementary School Admin Team
Kelly Shanahan
Taylor Romans
Victoria Ahearn
Middle School Updates
Important Upcoming Dates this Month
- September 6th: No School, Holiday - No live classes or OMS work today!
- September 17th: Outing Day - No live classes, but OMS work is assigned today!
*See your Class Connect schedule in the Online School for daily schedule*
Tips for Success!
More tips for September!
- Check your Schedule & Announcements on Mondays - View your live class connect schedule & assignments every Monday. Checking the announcements in each of your classes also helps set you up for success!
- Know Your Info: SAVE school information in a safe place for easy access. Know your NCVA e-mail address, Your Student ID Number, and passwords for various accounts. Don’t forget to write down the names of your student’s Homeroom Teacher and Advisor in case you need to contact the school.
- Volunteer in class - Raise your hand, write in the chat, or offer to help a classmate by volunteering your thinking. The more you participate and give your best effort, the more you will grow!
- Email your teachers with questions or ask questions in class! - Asking questions helps you learn & complete things correctly, so be sure to ask questions to do everything right the first time!
- Retake quizzes with low grades - Now that you've learned more in your classes, go back to previous quizzes to retake ones that have a retake available. Review the lessons, review your previous quiz attempts, and try again for a higher score! Check out this video that will help you navigate to finding low quiz grades & finding the quiz to retake.
- K12 Customer Support: 1-866-512-2273 SAVE this number in your phone and keep it visible on your refrigerator or in your work area for quick reference. We all need technical assistance from time to time!
Middle School Admin Team
Marcia Simmons
Courtney Mosley McMahan (Mrs. Mac)
High School Updates
WELCOME Back!
This year we have a few exciting additions the first few weeks of school, Freshmen Academy and Senior Success Sessions. These sessions are meant to get our freshmen excited and prepared to Start Strong on their unique HS journey at NCVA. They will be led by our teachers, HS counselors and a few surprise guests. The Senior Success Sessions are also led by our HS counselors and 11/12th grade teachers to give valuable information, strategies, and requirements to Finish Well. Sessions will be held at 2:00 p.m. over the next 3 weeks. Freshman and Seniors, check your CC schedule for links. We are looking forward to seeing everyone there!
Small Groups…At NCVA, we are advantaged to have the ability to offer Small Group Targeted Instruction with our teachers during the school day. Small groups will begin the week of 9/7 and will be held between 2:00-4:00 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday depending on your courses. Invitations are based on classroom observations and participation, exit tickets, assessments, and more. If invited, these sessions are required, just like our morning class connect sessions. Our expectation is that all students will be in attendance if invited to ensure understanding, growth, and mastery of content.
How can I start strong so I can finish well? I am glad you asked...
- Please remember to check your email, course plans, and class announcements every single day.
- Attend all classes and engage and participate with your teachers, the curriculum, and your fellow students.
- Ask questions early and often, be an advocate for yourself.
Important Dates
8/30: Freshman Academy Day 3 @ 2:00 p.m.
9/2: Freshman Academy Day 4 @ 2:00 p.m.
9/6: Labor Day Holiday (No school)
9/7: Small Groups Begin @ 2:00 p.m.
9/7: Senior Success Part 1 (ELA) @ 2:00 p.m.
9/9: Senior Success Part 2 (Math) @ 2:00 p.m.
9/17: Outing Day (Follow your OHS Plan)
Good Luck to Everyone,
Mrs. Parnell
Meet your Leadership Team
Tasha Parnell
High School Academic Administrator
High School Admin Team
Cassie Parker
High School Lead Teacher
High School Counseling Team
Katie Beck
Nicole Hairston
Erin Farmer
Special Programs Updates
Email Your Case Manager
Be sure you know your case manager's contact information and reach out with any questions or concerns that pop up.
Create a Learning Space
Create a space in your home that is a designated learning spot.
Take Breaks
NCVA Student Support Team
Strong Start...Strong Finish!!!
Welcome to NCVA! We are so excited to have you with us this school year. We still have new students joining us each week. Our Student Support Team will continue hosting the Week of Welcome Sessions (W.O.W.) to help you help prepare you for success in our online environment. During the first few weeks, each family will receive a call from their student's Advisor to ensure you have everything you need to get off to a strong start. Please be on the look out for that communication. Advisors will continue checking in with you throughout the school year, so be sure to keep your contact information up to date in the Online School.
Academic questions related to specific courses will be addressed by your student's teachers. Please do not hesitate to e-mail your instructors should you have additional questions about assignnments. We're wishing all of our families a great school year!
Meet your Student Support Team
Lea King, Student Support Administrator
Amy Dulaney, Student Attendance Specialist (K-5th)
Laura Zuber, Student Attendance Specialist (8th-12th)
Paige Adams, Student Resource Coordinator
Jillian Davenport, Community Engagement Specialist
Whitney Cress, School Counselor (K-5th)
Becca Lynn, School Counselor (6th-8th)
Student Support Advisors :
K-5: Amy Baker, Brittany Carson, Lauren Hedrick, Rebekah Logan, Allison Mosley, Jevonda Perkins, and Katie Szostak
6-8: Brittany Bonardi, Tiffany Carson, Kristen Herd, Nkechi Orabuchi-Fluker, and Danielle Smithers.
9-12: Marah Barrow, Debbie DeLoach, Karie Shuler, and Jennifer Triplett
Elementary School Counselor: Whitney Cress
Hello all! My name is Whitney Cress, and I am the Elementary School Counselor! Please never hesitate to reach out for support! I am looking forward to an amazing year!
Students will see me during our monthly Counselor Corner lessons, where we will focus on a Social Emotional Learning topic based around the 7 Mindsets. I also offer counseling small groups throughout the school year, so be on the lookout for my emails!
*NEW this school year, open counseling hours. If interested, please visit here. Also, take notice of our student services website packed with a tremendous amount of helpful community, academic, social and emotional resources.
Much love,
Whitney Cress
919-346-0121 ext. 2113
Middle School Counselor: Becca Lynn
Our Middle School students will have the opportunity to meet with me during Beacon Times, where we will dive into social emotional topics specific to Middle Schoolers.
Throughout the year, I will offer small groups, as well as ongoing individual counseling support.
I am excited to get to know the community and work with students to develop life long skills and behaviors essential for academic achievement and beyond.
Feel free to reach out at any time!
Becca Lynn
919-346-0121 ext 2287
Beacon Time!
Monthly Beacon Times are offered to further develop students' social and emotional skills. These assemblies will be offered each month during the school year by our school counselors and Student Resource Coordinator. Watch for more information to come! We look forward to seeing you there!
ELEMENTARY Beacon Times aka Counselor Corner:
- K/1 Thursday Sept 9 @ 2:00: We've Got This! Starting the Year Off Right!
- 2/3 Thursday Sept 9 @ 2:30: We've Got This! Starting the Year Off Right!
- 4/5 Thursday Sept 16 @ 2:00: We've Got This! Starting the Year Off Right!
MIDDLE SCHOOL: Coming soon!
HIGH SCHOOL: Coming soon!
LC Speaker Series
Community Resources
Do you need help connecting with resources in your area? Check out our Student Services Community Resource page with links to a variety of supports available in your area, including resources for food, housing, financial assistance, clothing, childcare, internet assistance, employment, and much more!
COVID Resources
Below are various resources available as we transition through these critical times together. The Community Resources link is a living document featuring regular updates.
Specific by region, including assistance with food, finances, utilities, etc.
Crisis Support:
- Text support: Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the United States, anytime, about any type of crisis (including COVID19, self harm, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation) and get connected with a trained crisis counselor.
- National Suicide Hotline number is 800-273-TALK (8255), there is also a chat option on their website, https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ .
- As always, call 911 with any life-threatening emergencies, including thoughts or plans of suicide and self-harm.
Learning Coach Central
LC Volunteers Needed!
Attention Learning Coaches
Want to get more involved? There are many exciting opportunities to participate and share your unique skills. Let us know more about your interests. Please complete the VOLUNTEER SURVEY to join our team.
*Background Checks are required for all school volunteers.
Let's Get Social!
Please take advantage of opportunities to connect with the K12 and NCVA communities online and social media, via:
K12 App NCVA Learning Coach Community: Learn about the LC Community HERE.
- Access the school and national communities using your LC Credentials
- Find resources and announcements
- Search and send direct messages to other LCs with similar interests.
- BONUS! Your involvement facilites students connections outside of school!
Download the K12 App Today!
If you have not already, take a few moments to review our school on the NCVA Facebook page. Share your experience with others by clicking on the "Review" tab. This is a great way to make friends and connect with other NCVA families.
Directions to Join a Regional Parent Group
Want to connect with other NCVA families near your area? Join an RPG today!
- E-mail the Regional Parent Group where you reside. Find your county on the map.
- Include your Name, County, Student(s)' Name(s), Grade Level(s), and Phone Number.
Region 1 ncvaregion1@yahoo.com
Region 2 ncvaregion2@gmail.com
Region 3 ncvaregion3@yahoo.com
Region 4 ncvaregion4@gmail.com
Region 5 ncvaregion5@gmail.com
Region 6 ncvaregion6@gmail.com
Region 7/8 ncvaregion7_8@yahoo.com
PLEASE NOTE: The Regional Parent Groups are comprised of Learning Coaches. They do NOT have access to student information. Please contact your student's Homeroom or Content Area Teacher(s) for academic questions.
K12 Customer Support & Videos 1-866-512-2273
https://www.help.k12.com/s/topic/0TO0B000000I2moWAC/technical-support-videos#?tabset-26361=2
- K12 App: Download HERE
- Time Zone Configuration: https://www.help.k12.com/s/article/How-to-Update-the-Time-Zone-in-the-Online-School-and-on-Your-Computer
- Clear Cache and Cookies: https://www.help.k12.com/s/article/Internet-Browsers-Clear-Cache-and-Cookies
If you are your online classes using Chrome, we recommend installing the Flash Enabler extension which will enable and save Flash settings for your classes. Please refer to Enabling Flash in Chrome for a step-by-step guide to enabling Flash in Chrome.
- Learn more about additional System Requirements as of July 2021.
Zoom App
HELPING OUR SCHOOL
"Together In Education Program"
Account # 3669
"Tools For Schools"
(Account # 31300)
Contact Information
North Carolina Virtual Academy
4220 NC HWY 55, Suite 130
Durham, NC 27713
Phone: 919-346-0121
Fax: 919-324-6597
Website: http://ncva.k12.com
K12 Customer Support: 1-866-512-2273