Montgomery Virtual Academy K-5 News
Week of January 31, 2022
A Note from the Dean's Desk
Greetings Montgomery Virtual Academy Voyagers!
I hope you and your family have been keeping warm on these frigid winter days! I must admit I am more than a little grateful to not have bus duty on days when the temperatures barely get into the 30's!
“Black history is American history, and American history is Black history. You can’t have one without the other,” ~ Dr. Dwight McBride, president of The New School.
February, which starts this week on Tuesday, provides us all an opportunity to celebrate Black History Month. While I firmly believe that Black History is American History and should always be part of the narratives we tell about the past, it is a important opportunity to highlight and focus on the stories, people, and events that often still struggle to get written into today's history books. This month in the MVA, we will be creating multiple learning opportunities for our students both during instruction, and also during some optional lunch bunches. Check out the details below!
Families looking to explore some additional resources may be interested in the following links:
- Black History Month book list: https://socialjusticebooks.org/booklists/black-history/
- National Museum of African American History and Culture New "Searchable Museum": https://www.searchablemuseum.com/
- Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action: https://www.dcareaeducators4socialjustice.org/black-lives-matter-week-action
- The Zinn Education Project- If We Knew Our History: https://www.zinnedproject.org/if-we-knew-our-history/
Thank you for your ongoing support and engagement on this amazing voyage! Let's make it great week of learning and a great week on purpose!
Mrs. Cassandra Heifetz
Dean
UPCOMING EVENTS
- Through Feb 1: Semester 2 Supply Distribution (Details below)
- February 2: MVA Lower School February Black History Lunch Bunch Program: 1960's Dance Party (details below)
- February 3: Montgomery Virtual Academy Parent Teacher Council Meeting -6:30-8:00 PM
- February 10: (DATE CHANGED) Middle School Information Parent Night for Current Grade 5 Families from 6:30- 7:30 PM on Zoom (more details coming soon)
- February 16: MVA Lower School February Black History Lunch Bunch Program: The Story Behind the Snowy Day (details below)
MONTGOMERY VIRTUAL ACADEMY INFORMATION & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Lower School MVA Black History Lunch Bunch Schedule
The staff in the lower school at the MVA are planning a series of optional "lunch bunch" opportunities for students to celebrate Black History Month throughout the month of February.
You can view the calendar of events and access the Zoom links from this calendar (also:
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/13Fbcj1PIc-4FD0sMl5Q_T_0McWnJcj04gWcdh3nZSTg/edit?usp=sharing)Please note, events are still being planned, scheduled and added so check back frequently for new opportunities! Have a question? Email Mrs. Karen Konrad (4th Grade Teacher) at karen_konrad@mcpsmd.org
Semester 2 Supply Pick-up Through February 1
NOTE: Materials for Semester Two include many items for all elementary school students and books for middle school students. High school students whose teachers have ordered materials will notify their students in class and on their Canvas pages; please have your children ask their teachers if there are materials they should pick up.
Please sign-up for a pick-up time using this Sign-up Genius: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e094bafa92cabf94-mvastudent1
MVA Enrollment for the 2022-2023 School Year
Students who are currently enrolled in the Montgomery Virtual Academy (MVA) and wish to continue in the MVA in the 2022-2023 school year are not required to re-apply. However, we are asking for current families to please complete the form linked below for each child. In the form, please indicate whether you wish your child to remain in the MVA for the 2022-2023 school year OR plan to have them return to their home school.
Enrollment in the MVA is intended to be a full year commitment. Please complete this form for each student currently enrolled in the MVA. Responses were requested by Monday, January 17, 2022 but we continue to accept responses. Thank you for taking a few minutes to complete this form.
Montgomery Virtual Academy 2022-2023 Enrollment Commitment
https://forms.gle/P1TvdtdzLXDuxafq8
Questions regarding continuation of enrollment may be sent to MoCoVirtual@mcpsmd.org. Thank you for your cooperation and support!
MCPS RESOURCES FOR VIRTUAL ACADEMY FAMILIES
Free Digital Library Books
HOW TO ACCESS SORA
- Visit: https://soraapp.com/library/montgomerymd
- Login with student MCPS email address and password
Click here for additional directions to use the SORA app
Sora can be accessed via Clever or directly from the link above. The Use SORA app will support families who want to connect the public library to the SORA account.
Destiny Discover Library Catalog
Free Online Resources for MVA Students
All online services can be accessed by students when they log into Clever with their MCPS Google Account.
MEALS
Families can now pre-order meals using the same link each week. (Please see below.) 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.
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).
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.orgWe are so grateful to our partners in Food Services!
Technology Support for Virtual Academy Families
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
MCPS INFORMATION FOR ALL FAMILIES
Free, On-Demand Online/Virtual Tutoring Available for All Students, K-12
See the MCPS Website for more details:
https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/tutoring.aspx
Access Instructions for Students (Must be logged in with MCPS credentials)
1. Navigate your web browser to: https://clever.com/in/mcpsmd
2. Log in to the MCPS Clever Portal. If prompted, choose Log in with Google.
3. Select the Tutoring Partner app to access the program resources. (FEV Tutor or Tutor Me Education)
Stay Informed About School Cancellations, Delays, and Early Closings
- listen to area radio and television stations
- check MCPS TV (Comcast Channel 34/998, Verizon Channel 36, and RCN Channel 89)
- check the Internet at www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org
- check the myMCPS mobile app
- access a recorded telephone message at 301-279-3673
Emergency announcements are also available by signing up for Alert MCPS text and e-mail notifications and on the MCPS Outlook, Twitter, and Facebook accounts.
When schools open on a 2-hour delay, elementary Virtual Academy students should plan to log in at 10:50 AM so that classes can start at 11:00 AM. The lunch/wellness break will still take place as scheduled from 11:35 AM-12:35 PM.
Parent Volunteers
Are you interested in volunteering during the student day to support your child's teachers and classrooms?
There are a few steps to complete before beginning your service as a volunteer in the Virtual Academy.
- Complete the MCPS Volunteers in the Virtual Classroom form.
- Complete the mandatory online Recognizing Child Abuse and Neglect Training.
- Contact an administrator, counselor, or your child's teacher and provide the following:
- Your completed MCPS Volunteers in the Virtual Classroom Form and
- Your online course grade sheet that will show 100% for completing the online Recognizing Child Abuse and Neglect Training and an 83.3% for submission of the vaccine attestation (a total of 183.33%).
More details and support guides are available at: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/student-leadership/volunteer.aspx
Free English as Second Language Classes for Parents
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.
MONTGOMERY VIRTUAL ACADEMY PARENT TEACHER COUNCIL (MVAPTC) INFO & ANNOUNCEMENTS
The following MVA Parent Council Announcements are being shared as a public information courtesy.
Montgomery Virtual Academy Parent Teacher Council Updates
MVA Parent Teacher Council Meeting: Feb. 3, 2022
All families are invited to attend the monthly MVA PTC meetings. Meetings will be held the first Thursday of every month at 6:30 PM.
Future meetings are scheduled for: March 3, April 7, May 5, June 2 (Board Member Elections)
Zoom link for February 3, 2022 MVAPTC at 6:30 PM
https://mcpsmd.zoom.us/j/82444490744?pwd=elRpSkcybmY3TXZ3TzlnamtFSlhOQT09 Meeting ID: 824 4449 0744 Passcode: 092867
PIKE KITCHEN, ROCKVILLE February Fundraiser - Sunday, February 6 & 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.com
*They are generously giving MVAPTC 25%. Please help us meet our fundraising goal of $900.
Teacher Appreciation Wish List - please help the MVAPTC support our teachers with MVA shirts and technology gifts.
https://www.amazon.com/registries/custom/KW86FXCZ3F5L/guest-view
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 help or have any questions, concerns or suggestions.
Thank you for your support!
Staff Appreciation Flower Bouquet Fundraiser
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.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
COVID-19 Vaccinations for Ages 5-11:
https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/covid19/vaccine/children.html
Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center:
https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/gilchrist/
Food Giveaway Events this week:
https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/covid19/get- help/food.html#events
Family And Friends Mental Health Support:
http://namimd.org/family__friend_support
Health Care for the Uninsured (English): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FoOQWe-GVr6ljzHjIxYRcl5VxtdBQCHN/view?usp=sharing
Health Care for the Uninsured (Spanish):
https://drive.google.com/file/d/15Pss-kVuL1IDh7cG1o47PrF0ZWImn1GY/view?
Find us at...
Email: Cassandra.Heifetz@mcpsmd.net
Website: https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/virtualacademy/
Location: 15 West Gude Drive, 2nd Floor, Rockville, MD, USA
Phone: 240-740-6060
Twitter: @MVA_DeanHeifetz