Welcome to GaVS!
A Step-by-Step Guide to Starting the Semester
Welcome to Georgia Virtual School!
Taking a course online has many benefits. One benefit includes having multiple different opportunities to learn a concept. As students read through the content they can view videos, read scientific articles, do crossword puzzle reviews, and more. In addition, students have the opportunity to attend a live synchronous chat session held once a week. In these sessions, we review practice multiple choice problems, perform math calculations, listen to songs with concept specific information, review essential concepts, and play review games. If the student cannot attend, they can always listen to the recording. Online courses are rigorous, requiring student motivation and organization. It is imperative that the student print out their schedule and check off their assignments as they complete them. As the parent, you can support your student by asking them how they are doing with their assignment completion from week to week. Accountability is important for some students. In addition, students need to know to communicate with me as often as they need. If I don't hear from a student, I won't know how to help. I want each student to be successful and have a great experience in this course. I look forward to helping your student have a successful semester learning introductory concepts of physics.
Information Found in This Issue...
First Task: Complete the Student Orientation Course
When completing the Student Orientation Course, it is important to complete topics in order and complete all items on the checklist.
The following items are required for the completion of the Student Orientation Course (SOC):
- students complete all sign off
- students complete all agreement quizzes
- students make a 100% on the final Student Orientation Quiz.
OR
- Students may choose to opt out of the Student Orientation Course; however, students who elect to opt out of the Student Orientation Course are still responsible for all content presented in the course.
Students must finish or opt out of the SOC before gaining access to the course. Students will not gain access to the course until the first start date or one workday after the semester has begun on August 5, 2013.
Second Task: Selecting a Start Date
Third Task: Jump into the Course & Get Working!
Set Up Your Google Account
Note about syncing passwords: There is a section explaining how to sync your GaVS Google apps password with your GaVS Student Information System password. Your password has to be at least 8 characters long. If your GaVS Student Password is not 8 characters long then you will need to change the password. The passwords have to be the same. If your passwords are not the same, you can watch THIS video on how to change your password.
It is imperative that you set up your Google Account right away. Using your GaVS email account is essential since it is the primary form of communication students will use with me as their instructor.
If you have any problems setting up your Google Account, please let me know as soon as possible so that I can be of assistance.
Important Information for Parents
The Parent Account gives you information about your child’s grades and progress in their course. If your child’s grade drops below a 75, you will receive an automated phone call. If your child’s grade drops below a 70, you will receive a phone call from me.
If you already have a parent account please do NOT create a new one.
1) Please check to see that your parent account is linked to your student’s account.
2) For more information click Help on the Log in page or click this link.
If you are uncertain about whether you have a parent account or not,
1) Log in to GAVS at www.gavirtualschool.org and at the Log In page type in your username and password.
2) For more information click Help at the top of the Log In page or click the following link. http://helpdesk.gavirtuallearning.org/support/index.php?/Knowledgebase/List/Index/14/gavs-parent-info
*Information for parents who have NEVER created a parent account.
1) Login to our website www.gavirtualschool.org
2) Click the “Log In To GAVS” icon
3) Click “Create An Account” from the navigation bar.
4) You will need to know your child’s GTID and date of birth.
5) Please follow the directions on the screen.
6) Be sure you have linked your parent account to your student’s account.
7) For more information simply click HELP at the top of the Log In page or click the following link. http://helpdesk.gavirtuallearning.org/support/index.php?/Knowledgebase/List/Index/14/gavs-parent-info
D2L Help Sessions for Students and Parents
Tuesday, August 20 at 11AM
Thursday, August 22 at 7PM
Tuesday, September 3 at 11AM
Thursday, September 5 at 7PM
Tuesday, September 17 at 11AM
Thursday, September 19 at 7PM
You will join by entering the meeting as a Guest. Your username is your first and last name. Here is the link to join each D2L Session:
The space for each session is limited. We ask everyone to join the session using only ONE computer at your home. If the session is full, the recording will be posted within the learning management system and you will have an opportunity to review the recording OR attend another upcoming meeting. The schoolwide D2L meetings are separate from individual Welcome sessions held by me. Please plan to attend the meeting with me as well. Details about the Science Course Sessions are below.
Thursday, Aug 22, 2013, 07:00 PM
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Physical Science Synchronous Sessions
Where Can I Go to Find Answers to Other Questions?
Click here to use the GAVS Helpdesk/Knowledgebase!
2. Look within the News Announcements or other communication from me.
3. Familiarize yourself with the Student Handbook: Click here to access the Student Handbook.
4. Feel free to contact me directly via phone, email, skype, or twitter.
A Little About Me
I love teaching science. I taught in the face-to-face classroom for 9 years before teaching online for 3 years. I attended the University of Georgia for my undergraduate degree, and then Piedmont College for my master degree.
I am married to another teacher. We have a 4 year-old daughter and 2 year-old son. We love to travel. You can watch the video below for places my family has visited recently.
I am very excited to have you in this class! My desire is to help you in whatever way I can so that you will be successful in this class. You can email me at anytime and I will get back to you within 24 hours. If you have a more immediate issue, please do not hesitate to call me and leave me a message on my phone (706-389-0144). The best time to reach me is Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. I want to be as accessible to you as I can, so do not hesitate to ask questions!
Contact Me
Email: kelly.walker@gavirtualschool.org
Website: Skype:gavs.kelly.walker
Phone: 706-389-0144
Twitter: @MrsWalker_Sci