VA Weekly Navigator
Your guide to news, updates, and reminders in the Upper VA
(Week of March 7, 2022)
SSL Opportunity: Culture of Respect Module
The asynchronous module is in Canvas and is expected to take about 30 minutes to complete. MVA students will work on the module in Advisory on March 7 and March 9.
Any student who does not complete the module during Advisory can do so on their own anytime before April 29. Students will be given 2 SSL hours for completing the module. SSL hours will be assigned centrally, and there are no additional forms to complete.
Return to In-Person School Update
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.
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 March 18, 2022 so that we can coordinate with your child’s school.
https://forms.gle/RhVUnZiBrB3Dhapz9
Notification emails will be sent to the school and confirmation emails will be sent to you after the deadline closes on March 18, 2022. Thank you for your consideration and support!
FAQ's About Returning to In-Person Learning
What happens next?
- The Virtual Academy staff will review the information in this form and may follow up if there are any additional questions. The Virtual Academy will then notify the school of your request to return your child to in-person learning. The home school will then work to communicate your child's schedule/teachers prior to the start date for your child.
Do I need to contact the school?
- No. The Virtual Academy will assist and will communicate with your home school, however, you are welcome to contact your child’s school if you have any questions regarding in-person instruction, course assignments, etc.
When can my child return to in-person learning?
- To return on April 4, 2022 (to start Marking Period 4) please complete the Google form no later than March 18, 2022
Are there going to be any additional return dates offered?
- No. This is the final official date for return to home schools this year.
Can I return to the Virtual Academy at a later date this school year?
- Once families withdraw from the Virtual Academy, we may not be able to re-enroll your child due to limited space, and your child may be added to the waitlist. Re-application is required.
Can I return to the Virtual Academy next school year?
- Families who withdraw this school year and wish to rejoin the MVA next school year will need to apply on ParentVUE.
Whom can I contact with questions?
- You may contact the Virtual Academy at 240-740-6060 or send an email to:
Lower School (K-5)
Cassandra Heifetz, Dean: Cassandra_Heifetz@mcpsmd.org
Eva Brooks, Administrative Secretary: Eva_Brooks@mcpsmd.org
Upper School (6-12)
Steve Orders, Dean: steven_orders@mcpsmd.org
AnneMarie Walker, Registrar: annemarie_walker@mcpsmd.org
Earn SSL hours by helping us celebrate Women’s History Month!
Earn 2 SSL hours for creating and submitting an original Google Slides presentation (no more than 5 slides) in which you honor an aspect of Women's history that inspires you. Your presentation can focus on an individual, an event, a specific region, a movement, or a moment in time. The presentation should be visually engaging, clear, and informative. You can even turn your presentation into a video! Please make sure that you put your information into your own words and cite your sources.
Click here to enter a submission. Submissions are due Wednesday, March 8.
Select presentations will be shared with the MVA community in our Canvas daily announcements as well as in our weekly student and parent newsletters.
Check out some of the presentations that have already been submitted!
- Jayden Nguyen: "Let's Celebrate Women's History Month!" (Rosa Parks, Harriet Tubman, Helen Keller)
- Josh Abbago: "Women's History Month" (Marsha P. Johnson & Hedy Lamarr)
- Jocelyn Martinez: "Women's History Month: Eleanor Roosevelt"
- Marina Browne: "Women's History Month!" (Claudette Colvin, Mildred(Babe) Diddrikson Zaharias, & Sojourner Truth)
Upcoming VA Open Mic Sessions
Our first MVA Open Mic was such a success that we will now hold them monthly on the third Thursday of each month! Join us on March 17 for the next open mic. Share original poetry, song, or spoken word...or share a piece to honor Women's History Month. Come to listen or perform. If you wish to perform, click here to enter a submission by Tuesday, 03/15.
Distinguished Young Women's Program
Distinguished Young Women of Montgomery County is part of a national scholarship program that promotes and rewards scholarship, leadership and talent in young women.
Cash scholarships are awarded at the local level and millions in college-granted scholarships are available ($1 billion nationally). And local winners will advance to the state program in Montgomery, Alabama where they give away more than $32,200 in cash tuition scholarships.
And it’s FREE to participate!
YOU CAN...
- Make new friends from around your area
- Participate in workshops on interviewing, public speaking and more
- Have fun putting on a showcase of your achievements
- PLUS help pay for your college education!
- You must be a senior in high school to participate.
MCPS Antiracist Audit Survey
Grading, Reporting, and Feedback Updates
- Interims were posted online last week -- please check ParentVUE to review your child's grades and any communications or comments from teachers.
The final deadline for student work submissions in marking period three has been extended to March 29. Please continue to contact your child's teachers and/or counselors directly if you have questions about assignments, due dates, or deadlines.
MVA Virtual Café
The Virtual Café is a Zoom gathering space where students can get together to meet friends, play games, participate in activities, and engage in casual conversations while they eat their lunch. The Café will be open every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 11:40-12:15. Teachers will facilitate shared activities such as chess, anime, mindfulness, community circle conversations, and more.
ZOOM LINK: http://bit/ly/mvavirtualcafe
Meeting ID: 854 7704 2831
Passcode: lunch
Next meeting is Tuesday, February 22 @ 4:00 pm - Como solicitor ayuda financeria (How to apply for financial aid).
Attendees should register using the bit.ly link in the flyer. The Zoom link for session is accessible via QR code in the flyer.
Student Service Learning Information Presentation
SSL Informational Slide Presentation
If you or your family have additional questions, please contact Dr. Simarjeet Sandhu, our SSL Coordinator, via Outlook: Simarjeet_K_Sandhu@mcpsmd.org.
Virtual Academy Calendar for March 2022
Virtual Academy Accepting New Applications for the 2022-2023 School Year
The following message was posted on the MVA Website on February 2, 2022. Please feel free to share and pass it along! (Students who are currently enrolled do NOT need to complete a new application for next school year.)
The Montgomery Virtual Academy, a full-time virtual learning program for students in Kindergarten to Grade 12, is now accepting applications for the 2022-2023 school year. Students interested in the program are required to apply for admission and must be approved to participate. (Students currently enrolled in the Virtual Academy do not need to reapply). Applications will be considered on a rolling admissions basis. Application reviews will begin March 1 for initial enrollment and staffing purposes.
The Virtual Academy serves students in a comprehensive, full-time online instructional program. The program will continue to expand its infrastructure and services, innovative instructional approaches and flexible options to access coursework, particularly for high school students.
Admission considerations include:
- For elementary school students: Primarily for students with extenuating circumstances related to health or other reasons that can be mitigated through a virtual learning program.
- For middle and high school students: For students to gain access to innovative courses, flexible scheduling and specialty courses that may not be available in all schools, and for students with extenuating circumstances, including health and other reasons, that can be mitigated through a virtual program.
Applications can be submitted through ParentVUE beginning Feb. 2.
For families needing assistance submitting an application, please call 240-740-6060 or email MoCoVirtual@mcpsmd.org.
For more information, visit these Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) or the Montgomery Virtual Academy website.
Note for Rising Kindergarteners
Students who will be kindergartners in the 2022–2023 school year must register at their home school prior to applying to the Virtual Academy. To receive a student ID number, contact your local neighborhood elementary school to schedule an appointment. Application reviews for kindergarten students will begin May 1.
Attendance Questions and Absence Notes
- Hikeyya_A_Falden@mcpsmd.org
- 240-740-6060
Advisory ("Homeroom") Reminders
Every student in the VA is scheduled for Advisory (indicated as "Homeroom" on their schedules).
Advisory meets Mondays-Wednesdays-Fridays. Students are able to:
- connect with peers from their home school
- receive Virtual Academy updates and information
- participate in fun and interesting advisory lessons
It is important for students to log in each Advisory day for learning and attendance.
Contact your advisory teacher for information and to answer questions.
Activating and Utilizing ParentVUE
Activate Your ParentVue Account
This important tool will provide near real-time access to information on assignments and scores, attendance, class schedules, transcripts, graduation status, and more. You may access ParentVUE online, but for the best mobile experience, we encourage you to download the ParentVUE App from the Google Play Store or Apple Store, as this app will replace the current myMCPS mobile application.
Contact Your Child's Administrator or Counselor for your activation letter
MVA Parent Teacher Council Updates
Teacher Appreciation Wish List: https://www.amazon.com/registries/custom/KW86FXCZ3F5L/guest-view
Please help us purchase shirts and other items for our staff. We need about 140 additional shirts to provide one to each staff member for teacher appreciation week.
Montgomery Virtual Academy Shirt Sales: https://mvaptc.square.site
Please contact Jessica at parentcouncil@cpjsweb.com with any questions. Pick up in Kensington or can be mailed at an additional cost.
Please donate to help pay for the non-profit fees and insurance: https://mvaptc.square.site
Upcoming Parent Teacher Council Meetings: Next Meeting Thursday, April 7th at 6:30 PM
Future meetings: 1st Thursday of the Month at 6:30 PM (April 7, May 5, June 2 - Board Member Elections)
MoCo Delivery Fundraiser (ongoing weekly):
Enjoy delivered food from the Amish Market Yummy Pies & Beiler’s Donuts, Metro Dahaba, Izes Deli, Fresh Baguette and Poolesville Raw Pure Honey! Your purchase will be placed at your door on Saturday morning. Deadline for ordering is Thursday night! Please put "Donation to MCPS VA" in the special requests section. Order at: www.mocodelivery.com
MVAPTC is seeking to partner with the City of Rockville for social and other activities for our students. Please fill out their survey to express interest. You do not have to be a City of Rockville resident to participate. City of Rockville Survey Link for Social/Recreation: https://forms.gle/GZgYtBuV6porbkc47
Student Directory:
(You will be emailed the directory if you sign up and this will not be publicly shared).
MVAPTC Lower School Family Directory Sign Up - https://forms.gle/c7kwQ8pBRPJM6VTD9
MVAPTC Middle School Family Directory Sign Up - https://forms.gle/kpUAfwsDPbSJNXsZ6
MVAPTC High School Family Directory Sign Up - https://forms.gle/YqfbRyt11E8eAYjp7
MVAPTC Links:
Website: https://vaparentcouncil.godaddysites.com
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=montgomery%20virtual%20academy%20parent%20teacher%20council
Facebook page for unofficial Parent Group called MCPS - Montgomery Virtual Academy Families and Staff (Montgomery County, MD): https://www.facebook.com/groups/530674078014807
MVAPTC Membership Signup (no dues this year): https://forms.gle/ATxuHnUWnvEqVD9Y8
MVAPTC Committee Signup: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1P26ZtfaHo0NR9GSjc2xuzHg7G40AvbsiSfEqhBTJjRw/edit?usp=sharing
Please contact Council President, Jessica at parentcouncil@cpjsweb.com if you’d like to volunteer or have any questions, comments or suggestions. Thank you for your support!
Parent Teacher Council Zoom Meeting This Thursday, March 3
Join Zoom Meeting
https://mcpsmd.zoom.us/j/82444490744?pwd=elRpSkcybmY3TXZ3TzlnamtFSlhOQT09
Meeting ID: 824 4449 0744
Passcode: 092867
One tap mobile
+13017158592,,82444490744# US (Washington DC)
+13126266799,,82444490744# US (Chicago)
COVID-19 At-Home Rapid Test Kits for Students
Free English as Second Language Classes for Parents
In collaboration with MCPS, the Literacy Council of Montgomery County (LCMC) is offering free English as a Second Language (ESL) classes for MCPS parents. The classes will be held virtually and there will be options for all levels of English speakers. They are available to any MCPS parent for whom English is not their first language.
Please 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.
Bulk Meal Kits for Virtual Academy Families
Families can now pre-order meals using the same link each week. 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.
Virtual Academy Bulk Meal Kits Pre-Order Form
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).
Magruder HS
Clarksburg HS
Damascus ES
Gaithersburg HS
Paint Branch HS
White Oak MS
Parkland MS
Blair HS
Northwest HS
Richard Montgomery HS
Poolesville ES
Walter Johnson HS
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.org
We are so grateful to our partners in Food Services!
(Need to type the Pre-Order Form link? Here it is: https://forms.gle/XQHyNJe5kG6fzj6v9)
Technology Support
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
Student Newsletter
Click here to review the updates that we share with students each week in our student newsletter Google Site.
VA Weekly Navigator Archive
SEMESTER TWO
- Week of March 7, 2022
- Week of February 28, 2022
- Week of February 22, 2022
- Week of February 14, 2022
- Week of February 7, 2022
- Week of January 31, 2022
SEMESTER ONE