FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK
OVCA High School ~ February 6th, 2021
Hello families!
We are getting into the full swing of the semester now between assignments and live classes. Teachers are assigning their first big projects, tests, and labs. It is important that students follow the Plan and the WAG (week at a glance) posted to the announcements in their course. It's must better to stay caught up than to fall behind and play catch up! If you need support with making a schedule, navigating the online school, or mapping out your day, please reach out to your CFA to help!
You may have been finding your student working in Exact Path or Mindplay recently. Exact Path is a program that talks to Star360 and creates a personalized pathway for each student for both math and English. (Star360 are the benchmark growth assessments students take in August, December, and May.) Exact Path uses the data from Star to provide instruction and practice on skills that students may not have mastered on Star assessments, plus content they are ready to learn now. Therefore, Exact Path serves as another tool to help all of our students grow one academic year.
Mindplay will be used by some students this semester to help students read more fluently and increase comprehension. Students in the elementary that have used this program are seeing their students show great gains in their reading abilities.
I do want to point out that in two weeks are are having our spring Interim, the mock ACT. All students in a math or English class will take a mock ACT test in USA Test Prep for a grade. Additionally, all 11th graders will take the mock CCRA (state test) for history and science. (If your 11th or 12th grade student is not in a math or ELA class, they do not need to test in that subject.) We appreciate your support in ensuring your student has had a good night of sleep, a snack, and a quiet environment in which to complete their tests.
Let's make this another great semester!
Upcoming Dates:
- 2/15 No School President's Day
- 2/16 - 2/19 USA Test Prep Interim Week (Mock ACT)
- 3/13 Parent-Teacher Conferences
- 3/15-3/19 No School Spring Break
Mrs. Allison Miller
OVCA High School Principal
OVCA High School Students of the Month - January 2021
9th Grade Student of the Month
Emily G.
Notable achievements:
- Excelling in Algebra 1, English 9, Physical Science
- Semester Awards Winner
- Valued Class Connect Contributor
What the teachers are saying:
- “She is positive, uplifts others, and is studious with her work.”
- “Emily is diligent and genuinely wants to learn giving her best effort in everything she does. She is compassionate and helpful to her peers and respectful to her teachers.”
- “Emily has this great combination of insight to see what to do next or how to get better and the work ethic to make it happen.”
About Emily:
Emily has proven that a student can be both the toughest and nicest one in the room. Her persistence and grit has pushed her to improve and excel, yet teachers and classmates receive consistent encouragement from her, too. She and the class have risen to high levels, and she credits the OVCA HS teachers in helping. She says, “This school is really at helping students and I can't say how amazing the teachers are If it wasn't for them, I would have gotten this [award].”
Most of her goals right now center around maintaining superb grades this semester just as she had previous semesters. However, she does have other interests to keep things intriguing outside of the classroom. She admits, “Right now, I am working on photography outside of class and doing my research to be better.” Whether it’s in the classroom or out of it, Emily pushes herself to be better.
10th Grade Student of the Month
Lily M.
Notable achievements:
- Excelling in English 10, US Government and Politics, Computer Fundamentals
- Accomplished Musician (Guitar, Ukulele)
- Classroom leader
What the teachers are saying:
- “She is a new student to OVCA and has jumped in headfirst into everything! She comes to CCs, participates, and even has stepped up as one of my student leaders!
- “Lily asks questions and gets help when needed—a prime example of staying in communication with teachers. She turns in exemplary work and is excited about diving into OVCA culture!
- “Lily was the first student that came to my mind this month and definitely deserves being celebrated for her leadership!
About Lily:
Lily’s first year at OVCA has come with immediate success because of her willingness to see the possibilities rather than the limits of online schooling. She tells us: “I'm enjoying the creativity and flexibility the K12 curriculum allows while still challenging me to learn more and be better. I'm also incredibly grateful for OVCA staff and fellow students. I've felt more accepted and academically challenged in my first few weeks in OVCA than I had in the years I spent in brick-and-mortar schools. OVCA has created a safe space for me to socialize and connect with my peers, which I appreciate more than I can express.”
Whether it’s through her optimism or keen intellect, Lily has managed to impress teachers with helping build a strong classroom culture while building good grades. Taking advantage of the flexible schedule, she has also been able to pursue outside interests. Writing music, sketching art, and online journaling is keeping her fulfilled and busy. In the future, fulfillment will come both in and out of the classroom. Lily says, “As I make my way through high school, I intend to keep my academic achievements rolling in, my extracurriculars meaningful, and my mind ever expanding. Hopefully, this path will lead to a good college and a future in academia.”
11th Grade Student of the Month
Aiyunis J.
Notable achievements:
- Excelling in American Literature, Anthropology, Chemistry
- Top CC Contributor
- Digital Artist
What the teachers are saying:
- “Aiyunis is a great, great student and goes out of her way to connect with others.”
- “She is a perfect student. Never misses a class and always does EVERYTHING!
- “Aiyunis reaches out to all students in chat. She really makes a point of replying to other students' discussion posts. Simply put: She's amazing.”
About Aiyunis:
Aiyunis being named Student of the Month does not comes as a surprise to teachers and classmates. Be it the encouragement to others, the jokes during class, or the desire to stay after class to learn more, everyone in her classes know how extraordinary she can be. How does she do it during what might be the most uniquely difficult year? “This school year has had so many issues to it, but for OVCA specifically, I have always enjoyed being able to work during school hours and on my own time.”
Her consistency of character combined with enthusiasm for learning has led her to admirable heights at OVCA. Yet, for the student who is always doing something extra, this is only the beginning for her. Aiyunis lets us know what may be in store in the future: “For high school, my only goal is to maintain straight A's. As for beyond high school, I must first figure out what to major in during college; and afterwards, I, potentially, want to become an actress.”
12th Grade Student of the Month
Alessandria L.
Notable achievements:
- Excelling in British and World Literature, Nutrition and Wellness, Fine Art
- Semester Award Winner
- Avid, Enlightened Participant in Live Sessions
What the teachers are saying:
- “Allie is an awesome addition to any class she attends.”
- “She creates and adds to our in class discussions, and her participation and willingness to be a part of the content is much appreciated!”
- “Allie is delight to have in class. She can always be counted on for a kind word, a nice anecdote, and, of course, great answers to questions.”
About Alessandria:
Throughout an eventful, successful academic career at OVCA, Allie’s spirit has driven herself and classmates forward. It’s not always easy, and sometimes it doesn’t get easier, especially in a school year like this one. COVID concerns, ice storms, and other obstacles meant having to overcome difficult circumstances this semester. Still, Allie has performed admirably in all of her classes as she looks forward to graduation. Her work with teachers outside of class and in live sessions only continues to improve. Her close attention to detail and mindfulness are hallmarks of her success.
***
OVCA Fun and Recreation
OVCA Calming Rooms
College and Career Tech Calendar
FAFSA Applications for students to apply for aid - https://studentaid.gov/
The General Tommy Franks Museum is accepting applications for students to apply to their leadership institute:
Applications for the Oklahoma Arts Institute are being accepted in various disciplines, students can apply and find out more information here:
https://oaiquartz.org/application-selection-process
For more inquiries, contact our College and Career Readiness Coordinator, Katie McAskill at kmcaskill@okvirtual.org.
***
Staff Member of the Month Survey Link
Show Support, Give a Shout-Out, and Vote for Staff Member of the Month
Tutoring Program Available for OVCA Students
We are excited to announce our school’s new Tutoring Initiative! OVCA will offer personalized academic tutoring based on your child’s needs with an emphasis in the subjects of English Language Arts (Reading/Writing) and Mathematics.
At this time, our new tutoring program will be completely virtual through an online service called TutorMe. Through this program, your child will be able to access a tutor at any time of the day to work on any subject. While the emphasis will be in math and reading, tutors for all subjects are available. The tutor will work with your child’s curriculum to help them improve their grades and gain confidence. The focus of tutoring is to equip your child with different methods of learning so they can have life-long skills in how to best solve problems for assignments, homework and projects.
Tutoring Sign-Up Link
***
Newsletter Hub
ACT FEE WAIVERS AVAILABLE FOR OVCA STUDENTS!
Any Junior or Senior that qualifies for the Free/Reduced Lunch Program is also eligible to receive an ACT Fee Waiver for up to 2 tests. This is separate from the above mentioned waivers. Students should email their school counselor for more information regarding the Free/Reduced Lunch ACT Waivers.
Any Native American student in grades 10, 11, or 12 may also qualify for an ACT fee waiver or reimbursement. Students should contact their specific tribal office for more information.
The ACT is offered nationally multiple times per year. The National ACT takes place on a Saturday, typically from 8am-12pm. There are various test locations around the state. To register for the National ACT, students need to visit www.act.org to create an account. During the registration process, you will be able to select the test date and test location of your choice. Fee Waiver Codes are entered on the payment screen during the registration process.
*The National ACT is separate from the State ACT that is required for all 11th graders in the State of Oklahoma for graduation. The State ACT is scheduled to happen in April 2021 pending any changes mandated by the Oklahoma State Department of Education.
Project Elevate
Check out Project Elevate stories about OVCA students and staff on our OVCA Facebook Page!
Project Elevate is a Stride initiative to share stories of successful students and staff, as well as school activities, events and more. These stories have allowed us to share this impact on a larger stage through media coverage, social media spotlights, and more! So far this school year, Stride has placed more than 1,000 positive stories about Stride-powered schools in all 50 states! We are proud to showcase the solution our schools provide to their communities in helping students unlock their full potential.
The K12 App - Do You Have It?
- Link to K12 App on iOS
• Getting Started Resources
• Track Student Progress
• Check Your Daily Schedule
• Contact Teachers & Support
• Get Timely Notifications
DID YOU KNOW?
Stride has a Spanish version of their website:
Stride has a Spanish version of the Parent Portal:
https://es.k12.com/sdk12parentportal/dforce/portal_sitelogin
Oklahoma Virtual Charter Academy
Email: almiller@okvirtual.org
Website: okvirtual.net
Location: 1160 South Douglas Boulevard, Midwest City, OK, USA
Phone: 405-259-9478
Ready, Set, Grow
The Oklahoma Virtual Charter Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities and provides equal access educational programs and activities. As required by Title IX, the Oklahoma Virtual Charter Academy does not discriminate on the basis of gender, in its educational programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the Title IX non-discrimination matters:
- Angie Foust, Title IX Coordinator, afoust@okvirtual.org, (405) 259-9478 ext 2069, 1160 S Douglas, Midwest City, OK 73130
- Additionally, you may contact the Office of Civil Rights by calling 1-800-421-3481.