Welcome to Omaha Virtual School
Onboarding 5 of 6
Introduction to OLS
On August 6th, 6-10th grade students will log into the online learning system to find a course titled "Welcome to Online Learning." The course is filled with great tools and tutorials your student will need throughout their time in OVS. It will guide students on how to submit assignments as well as what a proper discussion post should look like.
Students in K-5th grade will receive an email with instructions on how to complete their virtual orientation. The email will provide directions on how to access the course path through Symbaloo. The Symbaloo will walk you through great tools and tutorials your student will need throughout their time in OVS. It will be laid out in tiles, which guide you through information necessary to learning coach and learner success!
Learners and learning coaches will need to complete the course together prior to the first day of school. It is mandatory for all learners and learning coaches to complete the course. It will take an average of 1-2 hours for completion of the orientation materials.
Students in K-5th grade will receive an email with instructions on how to complete their virtual orientation. The email will provide directions on how to access the course path through Symbaloo. The Symbaloo will walk you through great tools and tutorials your student will need throughout their time in OVS. It will be laid out in tiles, which guide you through information necessary to learning coach and learner success!
Learners and learning coaches will need to complete the course together prior to the first day of school. It is mandatory for all learners and learning coaches to complete the course. It will take an average of 1-2 hours for completion of the orientation materials.
Changes to the OLS
K12 heard your complaints about Flash-based activities! They've worked hard to upgrade many of the kindergarten through grade 5 courses and eliminate Flash. These upgraded courses will work seamlessly on any size device, have more interactive components, and have better tools to help your student be successful.
The new look for Online Middle and High School platform has a cleaner navigation bar, class content that is color-coded to subject, and a new progress widget. You’ll find all the same information you’ve come to expect, organized into a more intuitive design.
The new look for Online Middle and High School platform has a cleaner navigation bar, class content that is color-coded to subject, and a new progress widget. You’ll find all the same information you’ve come to expect, organized into a more intuitive design.
- Works on any device
- Adapts to all different screen sizes
- Mobile-first design
- Easy to navigate
- Intuitive interface to help you work faster
- Modern and clean
- New fonts, layouts, and color
- Better accessibility for those using assistive technologies
Tools for Success
Joining an online school can be very overwhelming! There are some great tools that will assist the student and Learning Coach in being successful in their journey with Omaha Virtual School. Check out these great resources:
1) Omaha Virtual School has some great resources on our school website under Parent Links. There are different training opportunities recorded for LCs to watch plus links to K12 specific tutorials on how to do attendance, navigate the weekly schedule, etc.
2) Stay up to date on school happenings through the weekly newsletter through Smore- each week includes announcements, upcoming events, happenings in the classroom and more.
3) K12's website is helpful in navigating the curriculum with tutorials and customer support
4) Trouble with your student's device? The Omaha Public Schools help desk can provide technical support on the HP Stream and 612 device (hardware) that is provided to students. For technical support, email ovs-techhelp@ops.org.
1) Omaha Virtual School has some great resources on our school website under Parent Links. There are different training opportunities recorded for LCs to watch plus links to K12 specific tutorials on how to do attendance, navigate the weekly schedule, etc.
2) Stay up to date on school happenings through the weekly newsletter through Smore- each week includes announcements, upcoming events, happenings in the classroom and more.
3) K12's website is helpful in navigating the curriculum with tutorials and customer support
4) Trouble with your student's device? The Omaha Public Schools help desk can provide technical support on the HP Stream and 612 device (hardware) that is provided to students. For technical support, email ovs-techhelp@ops.org.
Who do we go to for help?
Core Values: Self-Advocacy
Our 5th core value is self-advocacy. Our program can appear to be very independent at times as learners are expected to work in their own space. The curriculum and content can be very challenging at times and create a stall in progress. It is imperative for learners and learning coaches to advocate for their needs.
What does it look like? Learners and learning coaches should ask questions or ask for help when they are in need of assistance. As much as we would like to be able to read minds, we are not present daily to see the signs of a struggling learner. It is important to ask for help when those struggles start as pebbles rather to when they grow to boulders.
We value self-advocacy as it is a skill that helps throughout a life time. The ability to ask for help when in trouble can alleviate worries and stress down the road. Self advocacy can be taught with lots of practice, eventually turning into a useful habit for life.
Does your learner advocate for their needs? What struggles does your learner have that may need more practice? How will you assist your student in becoming better at self-advocating? Take the time to discuss these questions at home to have a better understanding on how they match our core values.
What does it look like? Learners and learning coaches should ask questions or ask for help when they are in need of assistance. As much as we would like to be able to read minds, we are not present daily to see the signs of a struggling learner. It is important to ask for help when those struggles start as pebbles rather to when they grow to boulders.
We value self-advocacy as it is a skill that helps throughout a life time. The ability to ask for help when in trouble can alleviate worries and stress down the road. Self advocacy can be taught with lots of practice, eventually turning into a useful habit for life.
Does your learner advocate for their needs? What struggles does your learner have that may need more practice? How will you assist your student in becoming better at self-advocating? Take the time to discuss these questions at home to have a better understanding on how they match our core values.
OVS Swag is HERE
It's that time of the year again to get your OVS apparel for the school year. We will have t-shirts, hoodies and long sleeve tees available to order. You have the option of having it delivered to your home or school. Place your order now before they are all gone!!!
Upcoming Orientation Schedule
K-10th Grade
A PARENT ONLY orientation will be held August 1-7th for NEW and RETURNING families of kindergarten-10th grade students. During the parent orientation session, staff will review updated policies and procedures in our student hand book. We have enhanced our procedures for the upcoming school year, so it is important that all families attend. Please sign up HERE for the session you are planning to attend.K-8th Grade
As part of student on boarding, parents and students are required to attend a Back to School Night on Thursday August 9th, 4-6pm. This is a drop-in event and families do not have to stay the whole time. During this event,families will have the opportunity to meet their student's Learning Facilitator and pick up their device and accessories. Students must pick up their device prior to the first day of school.
Omaha Virtual School
Mission: OVS is committed to empowering life-long learners by developing collaborative relationships. Within our community, we provide an innovative, personalized learning experience. Success in this mission will cultivate critical thinkers who have the tools to contribute to a changing global society.
Vision: Future ready, today.
Core Values: Growth Mindset, Positivity, Collaboration, Integrity, Accountability, Self-Advocacy
Email: virtualschool@ops.org
Website: ovs.k12.com
Location: 4640 South 59th Street, Omaha, NE, USA
Phone: 531-299-0269
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OPSVirtualSchool/
Twitter: @OPS_Virtual