VA Weekly Navigator
Your guide to news, updates, and reminders in the Upper VA
(Week of February 7, 2022)
Black History Month Student Slides
Counselor Appreciation Week!
Use this simple form to send a note of appreciation to a Virtual Academy Counselor. A list of all our counselors is embedded right in the form -- you can send as many as you like! (You can also add your email address in the form if you would like to see a copy of what you've sent.)
Send a Certificate of Appreciation to a VA Counselor
We encourage parents, guardians, and students to reach out to their home school counselors as well, to thank them for all they've done in the past and for partnering with the VA to support all students, even from afar.
Registration for Next Year -- the season is upon us!
Have you indicated your intention to remain with the Virtual Academy? Please complete this form ASAP if you have not already done so! This data is crucial for planning around staffing and course availability.
VA Applications for next year will be open starting this Wednesday, February 2, through March 1. Students who are currently enrolled with the VA and wish to remain in the VA next year do NOT need to reapply.
Students will be requesting courses for next year between February 14 and February 25.
On Feb. 9, students will attend the Electives Fair from 12:05-12:50. There, they will hear about electives they may be interested in. The following week, they will be able to go into StudentVUE and click on “Course Requests.”These requests will be considered as schedules are being built, but please understand that some courses are subject to student interest and staffing availability. Final schedules will be available over the summer.
If you are not yet sure about next year, please register for courses with the VA now; your course selections will be shared with your home school should you choose to return.
DCC/NEC High School Scheduling Day on February 8 during Advisory. 8th Grade students who plan to attend a DCC or NEC high school in-person in Fall 2022 will meet DCC and NEC counselors to learn about the schools and their programs.
Contact Ms. Natalie Thomas, Resource Counselor, for more information Google Voice: Phone number 240-668-4631; natalie_m_thomas@mcpsmd.org
Student Member of the Board to Visit VA Students Online
This Wednesday, February 9, all MVA students in grades 6-12 will have a chance to meet virtually with Hana O'Looney, the MCPS Student Member of the Board, to ask questions or voice concerns.
Please encourage your children to drop in to this Zoom on Wednesday, February 9 anytime from 11:35-12:35 to meet with your SMOB:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://mcpsmd.zoom.us/j/85870716449?pwd=TXB0OTgvenFGUGxNNzFSTmo3Yi93dz09
Meeting ID: 858 7071 6449
Passcode: GoVoyagers
NOTE: There will be no live Advisory sessions on Wednesday, so that students can attend this Zoom.
Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy
The Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy is a unique program designed for young ladies ages 11-14 years in Middle School. The Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy’s aim is to shape well rounded young women by focusing on literacy, character development, healthy lifestyle choices and service learning. Academy also focuses on sparking interest in math, science and technology.
ACTIVITIES: Currently all activities will be virtual. Meetings are held once per month via Zoom on the first Saturdays of each month at 10:30am to 12:30pm.
Participation spaces will be limited, so register today! Questions? deltaacademy@mcacdst.org
Mentorship Opportunity for Young Men
The Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, Iota Upsilon Lambda Chapter will offer a mentoring program for local Elementary, Middle, and High School students.
Their post-pandemic efforts are to help students academically and socially-emotionally, so students can grow as a person and become the best version of themselves. For example, this may involve helping young men achieve personal or career goals, introducing new ways of thinking, challenging limiting assumptions, sharing valuable life lessons, and much more.
The MVA Counseling Department holds Open Counseling Office Hours every Tuesday and Thursday from 12-1. Stop by if you have any questions or concerns about your classes or other issues. The VA Counseling Team will be there to listen and help.
Zoom Link: https://mcpsmd.zoom.us/j/87857179561?pwd=SGlSRUNFMGcyZlhRdGgwZnZHWGE4Zz09
Meeting ID: 878 5717 9561 | Passcode: mva
Virtual Academy Calendar for February 2022
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
THIS SUNDAY AND MONDAY: PIKE KITCHEN, ROCKVILLE FUNDRAISER
TODAY, February 6th & Monday, February 7th.
At pick up, tell the restaurant you are participating in the fundraiser and send your receipt to the owner, James Park at 301-922-1585 or email him at jpark@pikekitchen.com.
Address: 1066 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852
Website: https://www.pikekitchen.comNEW: 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
NEW: 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. Contact Jessica for mailing options.
NEW: Teacher Appreciation Wish List: https://www.amazon.com/registries/custom/KW86FXCZ3F5L/guest-view
NEW: Student Directory:
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
Teacher Appreciation Wish List - please help the MVAPTC support our teachers with MVA shirts and technology gifts.
Upcoming Parent Teacher Council Meetings: 1st Thursday of the Month at 6:30 PM
March 3, 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
Helpful MVAPTC Links:
- GoFundMe for MVAPTC start-up costs: https://gofund.me/f0bba235
- 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 (Montgomery County, MD): https://www.facebook.com/groups/530674078014807
- MVAPTC Membership Signup: 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!
(Please note: The above announcements and links are being shared as a public interest courtesy and are not run, developed, or moderated by MCPS, MVA, or MVA staff)
Staff Appreciation Flower Bouquet Fundraiser
The Montgomery Virtual Academy Parent Teacher Council would like your help in letting our wonderful teachers, staff, and faculty know how appreciated they are. The work they do both in our classes and behind the scenes to keep our students education moving forward is truly amazing!
Please follow the attached link to add a message for your teachers, paraeducators, and other staff members. These messages will be added to a bouquet of unique handmade wood flowers to show each how unique and appreciated they are. We are asking for a donation of at least $2 per message to help us cover the costs of the bouquets. All additional proceeds will be donated to the MVA Parent Teacher Council.
Historically Black Colleges & Universities Fair
- Workshops on Financial Aid, Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) completion assistance, and scholarship opportunities.
- Panel Discussion on college life with representatives from the “Divine Nine” Fraternities and Sororities.
- HBCU “Seminar Series” in January and February. Workshops will include United Negro College Fund (UNCF) scholarship information, overview of HBCUs, and how to find your best fit HBCU.
Important Dates
- Monday, February 14, 2022 to Thursday, February 17, 2022, for Seniors On-The-Spot Interviews and Admissions.
- Friday, February 18, 2022, for the virtual fair and workshops
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
- Week of January 31, 2022
- Week of January 25, 2022
- Week of January 18, 2022
- Week of January 10, 2022
- Week of January 3, 2022
- Week of December 20, 2021
- Week of December 13, 2021
- Week of December 6, 2021
- Week of November 22, 2021
- Week of November 7, 2021
- Week of October 31, 2021
- Week of October 25, 2021
- Week of October 3, 2021