The Howl
August Newsletter
Newsletter Table of Contents:
- All School: September Statewide Event Information, School Pictures
- K-5 School: Welcome Message, K-5 Back to School Assembly, Idaho Reading Indicator (IRI) Information, Learning Coach Training
- 6-12 School: Welcome Message, 6-12 Back to School Assembly, Fast Forward Information, College and Career Advising
STATEWIDE EVENT DAY
Friday, September 14th, 2018
IMPORTANT EVENT REMINDERS
- Photo Disclaimer: Please understand that photos may be taken and could be used by K12 and/or Idaho Virtual Academy. If you would not like yours or your child’s picture taken, please let an IDVA staff member know at the event.
- All are welcome. Remember, per IDVA policy, all students must have a parent/guardian with them at all times during school events.
- Please bring exact cash for admission.
- There are no classes scheduled on event days.
We want all students to have the opportunity to join an event. If cost is keeping you from being able to join, please email Lisa Stein lstein@idahova.org.
Treasure Valley
Where: Zoo Boise
Address: 355 Julia Davis Dr., Boise
Cost: $2.50 for students and adults
Check-in: 9:30 am MT
Start Time: 10:00 am MT
RSVP: Click here to sign up.
*****
Magic Valley
Where: Hagerman Fossil Beds Visitor Center
Address: 221 N. State St., Hagerman
Cost: Free
Check-in: 9:30 am MT
Start Time: 10:00 am MT
RSVP: Click here to sign-up.
*****
Northern Idaho
Where: Beach Party at Honeysuckle Beach
Address: East End of Honeysuckle Ave., Hayden
Cost: Free
Check-in: 11:30 am PT
Start Time: 12:00 pm PT
Note: Please bring a picnic lunch, water toys, and beach toys.
RSVP: Click here to sign-up.
*****
Moscow/Lewiston
Where: Hike Elk Creek Falls
Directions: From Moscow, travel east on Hwy 8. Approximately, 11 miles past Bovill will be signs for Elk Creek Falls. Turn right on Forest Service Rd. 1452. Drive 2 miles to the parking area.
Cost: Free
Check-in: 10:30 am PT
Start Time: 11:00 am PT
Note: Please bring lots of water and a picnic lunch.
RSVP: Click here to sign-up.
*****
Eastern Idaho
Where: Fort Hall Replica Museum
Address: 3000 Ave. of the Chiefs, Pocatello
Directions: On 1-15, take exit 67 to 5th Ave. Turn right onto 5th Ave. Travel approx. 200 yards, turn left on Avenue of the Chiefs. Fort Hall is ahead, near the animal shelter.
Cost: $1.00 for students, adults free
Check-in: 9:30 am MT
Start Time: 10:00 am MT
RSVP: Click here to sign-up.
*****
Southeast Idaho
Where: Beach Party at Bear Lake
Address: Idaho North Beach, North Beach Rd., St. Charles
Cost: $5.00 per car or free with Idaho State Parks Pass
Check-in: 11:30 am MT
Start Time: 12:00 pm MT
Note: Please bring picnic lunch, beach toys, and water toys.
RSVP: Click here to sign-up.
*****
School Pictures - Save the Date
Please save the date for school pictures. More information will be provided in the next newsletter.
- October 10th - Magic Valley
- October 11th - Eastern Idaho
- October 19th - Treasure Valley
- October 26th - Northern Idaho
K-5 SCHOOL
Welcome from the K-5 Team
On behalf of the entire K5 Team we welcome you to the 2018-19 School Year! We have exciting new changes to share with you this year beginning with grade specific homerooms. Please take 3 minutes to watch the following Principal Message regarding this exciting new change.
https://screencast-o-matic.com/watch/cFjD0dqoyD
Your teacher will be calling soon to ensure you have a strong start to the school year, be on the look out for her call.
K-5 Back to School Assembly - Tuesday, September 4th at 9:30 am MST/8:30 am PST
Please join us as we kick off the 2018-19 school year with a fun and energizing assembly for students in Kindergarten – 5th grade. Learn about new online school enhancements, the IDVA Energy Bus Student Incentive and meet your teachers!
Find the link to join the Assembly in your Class Connect Schedule on Sept 4th in the Online School.
See you there!
A New Look to the Idaho Reading Indicator
The new Idaho Reading Indicator by Istation is an early reading assessment that provides reliable data with frequent age-appropriate measurement for students in Kindergarten through 3rd grade. Adjusting to each student’s ability, the interactive assessment keeps developing readers engaged while they work through fun game-like activities.
The new IRI will assess 5 critical domains: phonemic awareness, alphabetic knowledge, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension.
All Kinder-3rd grade students are required to take the IRI assessment. This assessment is given in a proctored face-to-face setting. Unlike years past, the testing appointment will be for 1.5 hours. Your student will also complete a school-based math assessment during this time.
On August 29th, you will receive an email from donotreply@testingnirvana.com (our school-based scheduling program). This email will include the testing date, time and location. You will need to confirm this appointment.
Online Learning Courses for Returning and New K-5 Learning Coaches
All learning coaches, both new and returning, are asked to complete the required Online Learning Course.
This course is geared toward the learning coach. The course cannot be found within in the Online School, rather it is embedded in the link below. There are lessons broken into 4 days if you prefer to work on each lesson on separate days. You are welcome to complete the course all at once. You must complete the course and pass the final quiz with a 100% to earn credit by the deadline below. Get started now!
Please select the appropriate link to access the course document and quiz:
New Learning Coach Online Learning Course: This course must be completed with all other orientation items by August 30th to begin school on Sept 4th.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Eua2JHs_-Tl8-df2onn0fEPjk_eO-KSVoGVACldBlRI/edit
Returning Learning Coach Online Learning Course: This course must be completed by Sept 8th.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1g_54qaeQKd-W2_fNui3fzFvhOL7hjDfORVc4-NQKTBI/edit
6-12 SCHOOL
Welcome from the 6-12 Team
Dear Idaho Virtual Academy Families,
All signs point to an exciting and productive school year. We have a devoted and talented staff who have been working hard to make sure your student has a strong start to the school year. Each year brings positive change; this includes a few additions to our staff. We would like to welcome back Carrie Chizum, math teacher, and welcome new history teacher, Schuyler Fitzwater. We are fortunate to have these professionals join our team.
Thank you to all of you who are preparing your home, so your students can have a choice learning experience. Start watching your email for correspondence from your content and homeroom teachers. We are eager to visit with you and answer any questions you may have.
We value your dedication to excellence in education and look forward to partnering with you this school year.
Sincerely,
IDVA 6-12 Team
History & Social Studies Team
Science Team
College & Career Team
6-12 Back to School Assembly - Tuesday, September 4th at 9:00 am MT / 8:00 am PT
Help us celebrate the new school year at the 6-12 Welcome Back to School Assembly on Tuesday, September 4th at 9:00 am MT / 8:00 am PT. This is scheduled as a Class Connect Session in the OMHS.
See you there!
Fast Forward Program
Dear Families of Students in Grades 7-12,
Are you looking for a challenge and advanced opportunities? Do you want your student to earn college credits in high school? If you answered yes, we would like to introduce you to the Fast Forward Program.
The Fast Forward program provides every student attending an Idaho public school an allocation of $4,125.00 to use towards Advanced Opportunities in grades 7-12. The program was expanded by the Legislature in 2016 through the passing of House Bill 458. At the middle school level, the funds can be used for overload courses at the middle school level to allow students to begin taking high school credits while in middle school. For more information, please check out this website:
http://www.sde.idaho.gov/student-engagement/advanced-ops/
Please contact your student support advisor or high school counselor for more information.
7th & 8th Grade: Jessica Lecertua,
9th & 10th Grade A-K: Debbie Thomas, dthomas@idahova.org
9th & 10th Grade L-Z: Teresea Bannister, tbannister@idahova.org
11th & 12th Grade A-K: Mark Rodel,
11th & 12th Grade L-Z: Jessica Lecertua, jlecertua@idahova.org
We look forward to visiting with you about this exciting opportunity and answering any questions you may have about the Fast Forward Program!
Have a Question?
Have questions about your classes or our Idaho Virtual Academy school? Ask your IDVA teacher or staff.
Have technology questions? Ask K12 Customer Support.