River Valley Academy News
An RVA Family Update
May 21, 2021 Edition
Just two weeks left of school!
Let's finish strong!
Jenny Thompson
Graduation 2021 is in the books!
It was a beautiful evening to celebrate some amazing people!
Graduation 2021 at Rams Stadium!
This week's featured graduate is . . .
Jenaya Vega came to RVA to catch up on credits. She soon found friends, and her contagious laugh endeared her to many. We got to hear that laugh at graduation! When Jenaya’s name was called, the excitement of finally graduating came out as a giggle that blossomed into a joyful belly laugh!
Advice she would give to other RVA students is, “I know I’m not one to talk, but I would like y’all to know school is not where you go to be on your phone or to sleep in class, or talk to friends - maybe a little here and there, but not full-on conversation. School is where you go and finish up classes and do what you need to get done, so you are able to leave, knowing you accomplished it. Keep that in mind when you walk inside the building. Good luck and I believe in all of you!”
This is truth Jenaya learned. During her first year at RVA, she enjoyed coming to school but was not terribly motivated to complete work. Once she realized she could do it and began to complete courses, Jenaya was able to press on and graduate!
When asked for comments for the RVA staff, Jenaya said, “I love you all!” We love you,too, Jenaya, and we will miss laughing with you!
Scholarship Award Winners
Marion Parrent received the Deb Chamberlin Scholarship Award
Luke Younge received the Deb Chamberlin Scholarship Award
Catie Batchelder
Amy Himmelspach Memorial Scholarship for Service to Humanity
Sage Motta
Original RVA Logo
We can't wait to hear your ideas and feedback!
How do I know how my student is doing from day to day?
Edgenuity courses offer parent updates. If you would like to be signed up to receive these, please complete this form. When the form has been processed, you will receive directions for signing up for the Parent Portal along with an access code. You will receive daily updates. If you want specific information on how your student is doing in Edgenuity, ask your student for their login information. If you log in as the student, you can see a more detailed report.
Good questions to ask your student include:
1. Are you attending all class sessions, whether school is in person or remote?
2. Are you completing at least one assignment in each class session?
3. About how far in each course are you?
4. What are you doing well?
5. What can you do better?
Parents and schools are partners in educating students!
Groups are happening!
If you feel your student would benefit from this support, please contact the office! You can find out more about Arbor Circle and their counseling services here.
Summer Camp Opportunities
Summer camps are BACK! We’ve assembled a comprehensive list of academic camps to help your student explore an area of interest, or try a have fun learning about a new one. Camps serving PreK – 12th grade in a wide variety of subject areas is available. Check out our list of local summer programs here!
Monthly Career Readiness Resource
Eight Resume Mistakes That Can Keep You From Getting Hired
https://www.aarp.org/work/job-search/info-2020/resume-mistakes-to-avoid.html
How are you doing? People care and want to help!
RVA has an amazing staff, social worker, and mental health liaison who can listen and connect you to resources!
Ele's Place is a community based organization with the mission to create awareness of and support for grieving children and their families. Please find a very helpful guide for parents - how to support teens, as well as a handout titled, How to Help Yourself: For Teens below.
Area Resources
North Kent CONNECT: (adjusted hours due to COVID-19 precautions)
Mondays and Wednesday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Community Calendar of Services
Mobile Food Pantries: https://www.feedwm.org/findfood/
Assistance with housing, food, utilities:
contact 211 by phone or text (800-877-1107), text your zip code to 898211
Youth in need of shelter: The Bridge 616-451-3001 or 877-275-7792
RVA/RPS Calendar Highlights
May 25: Group 3rd hour
June 2: Group 3rd hour/ half day
June 3: Half day
June 4: Half day/Last day of school!
Please reach out with any questions you have or if there is anything you need!
Email: jthompson@rockfordschools.org
Website: http://www.rockfordschools.org
Location: 350 North Main Street, Rockford, MI, USA
Phone: 616-863-6324
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rivervalleyacademy
Twitter: @academy_river