The Howl
IDVA Newsletter - February 2020
Newsletter Table of Contents
ALL SCHOOL:
- March Statewide Events - You Are Invited!
- February Events Slideshow
- IDVA Spirit Week Update
- Human Rights Art Contest
- K12 App
- Feeling Overwhelmed? IDVA Help Request
- K12 National Clubs
- Idaho 5th & 6th Graders: Ski and Snowboard Passport
- NCAA and IDVA
- Past Issues of the The HOWL, School Year 2019-20
- Technical Tips Library
K-5 SCHOOL:
- ISAT Test Prep Sessions
- Learning Coach Tip
- K-5 Reading Tips
- PBS Kids Writers Contest
6-12 SCHOOL:
- Message from 6-12 Team
- Meet Your School Counselors
- Thinking about High School and Beyond
- E-Sports
- Human Rights Poetry Contest
- D.L. Evans Education Pays Program
- Friday Fast Facts
- IDVA and ISID Scholarships
- Invitation New Counselor Series - Social Emotional Learning
- IDVA Class of 2020 Graduation Planning Guide
- IDVA College and Career Website
- U.S. Selective Service System
ALL SCHOOL
STATEWIDE EVENT DAY
Friday, March 13, 2020
IMPORTANT EVENT REMINDERS
- All are welcome. Remember, per IDVA policy, all students must have a parent/guardian with them at all times during school events.
- Please pay in advance or bring exact cash for admission.
- There are no live classes scheduled on event days.
- For students in grades 6-12, check your WWS to see if any assignments are due and plan ahead; assignments are still due, even if the due date is an event day.
- All events are optional.
- Please note that IDVA may cancel events due to extreme weather and road conditions.
- 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 your or your child’s picture taken, please let an IDVA staff member know at the event.
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: World Center for Birds of Prey
Address: 5668 W. Flying Hawk Lane, Boise
Cost: Free for children. One accompanying adult also free. Additional adults $10 each.
The Birds of Prey discourages more than one adult per family group
due to space constraints.
2 SESSIONS AVAILABLE
There will be two sessions for this event. Session 1 will be for students in Grades K-5. Session 2 will be for students in Grades 6-12. If your family has students in both grade bands, please choose whichever session you prefer. Please only sign up for children (students, siblings and minor guests). Adults will not be counted in this sign up. Thank you!
Session 1 (Grades K-5)
Check-In: 10:00 am MT
Event Time: 10:30 am-12:00 pm MT
RSVP: Click here to sign-up for Session 1.
Session 2 (Grades 6-12)
Check-In: 12:00 pm MT
Event Time: 12:30 pm-2:00 pm MT
RSVP: Click here to sign-up for Session 2
*****
MAGIC VALLEY
What: College of Southern Idaho Applied Technology & Innovation Tour
Where: College of Southern Idaho
Address: 2-364 N. College Road, Twin Falls
Cost: FREE
Check-In: 9:30 am MT
Event Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm MT
RSVP: Click here to sign-up.
Note: Come for a tour of this fascinating program! See the food processing center, machining, and other offerings. Get ready to make French fries and ice cream!
*****
NORTH IDAHO
Where: Cataldo Mission - Old Mission State Park
Address: 31732 S. Mission Rd., Cataldo, ID
(Exit 39 1-90)
Cost: Park Entrance: $5.00 per vehicle
(Park entrance free with Idaho State Park sticker.)
Visitor Center: $1.00 per student; $5.00 per adult.
Max $10 per family (not including parking fee)
Check-In: 10:00 am PT
Event Time: 10:30 am - 12:30 pm PT
RSVP: Click here to sign-up.
Note: Visit the oldest buildings in Idaho! the Sacred Heart Mission and Coeur d'Alene's Old Mission State Park provide an educational experience not found anywhere else. The park features the Sacred Heart Mission church, a restored Parish House and a historic cemetery in a beautiful setting.
*****
MOSCOW/LEWISTON
Where: Washington State University
Address: Brelsford WSU Visitor Center, 150 E. Spring St., Pullman, WA
Cost: Event is FREE, parking $3.74
Check-In: 10:00 am PT
Event Time: 10:30 am - 2:00 pm PT
RSVP: Click here to sign-up.
Note: WSU is organizing a fabulous campus experience for our group! We will have an interactive physics demonstration, visit the art museum, and have ice cream at Ferdinand's Creamery. Lunch will be available for purchase in the cafeteria or you can bring a sack lunch. Parking is recommended in Yellow 3 lot behind the WSU Visitor Center.
*****
IDAHO FALLS
Where: ARTitorium
Address: 271 W. Broadway, Idaho Falls
Cost: $3.00 per child, $2.00 per adult
Check-In: 12:30 pm MT
Event Time: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm MT
RSVP: Click here to sign-up.
Note: Let's get creative! ARTitorium provides welcoming, fun-focused, and imaginative experiences in the arts for kids and families.
*****
PRESTON
Where: Papa's Chocolate Tour
Address: 484 Washington St., Montpelier
Cost: FREE
Event Time: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm MT
RSVP: Click here to sign-up.
*****
February Statewide Events Photo Slideshow
On Friday, February 14th, students and families came together at six locations across the state for board games, rock climbing, fun, and connection. Check out the event photo slideshow of the action! Thank you to those who attended!
We hope everyone will join us at the March events on Friday, March 13th!
IDVA Spirit Week Update
Thank you to IDVA's Leadership Class for spearheading Spirit Week and Random Acts of Kindness activities during the week of February 10-14. It was wonderful to see the school community participating in the fun! Thank you to all the participants who shared their crazy and creative outfits and their inspiring acts of kindness!
Check out a sample of the fun pics below. To see all the Spirit Week submissions, please visit the Spirit Week Padlet.
Human Rights Art Contest (Grades K-12)
“Human rights and the arts go together because of the expressive nature of both subjects.” - The University of Alabama – Institute for Human Rights
Encourage your children or students to enter an original art piece in the Center's 20th annual Human Rights Art Contest (K-12). To participate, students must reflect on any or all aspects of the Spiral of Injustice and explore these concepts in an original work of art. Students might consider how one of the following quotes etched in the stone of the Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial relates to interrupting the Spiral of Injustice.
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead
"Be the change you want to see in the world." - Mahatma Gandhi
Entries must be submitted online or onsite no later than Friday, April 24.
For more detail, visit the Wassmuth Center for Human Rights.
K12 App
It’s time to start thinking about next school year, and the K12 app can help!
The K12 app is a great resource for parents and legal guardians of IDVA students. The K12 app gives you the power to track your student's progress,* view their schedule,* and access relevant and up-to-date information.
This year the K12 app also allows you to choose your student’s registration status, making it simpler than ever to let us know your plans for next year! Download the K12 app today!
*This feature is currently available for all MS and HS families, and many elementary families as well. We are working to make this feature available to all families during the 2019–2020 school year.
Feeling Overwhelmed?
Are you or your student struggling to keep up with school, have questions, or need help?
Please click HERE to submit your name and contact information. We will call you right away!
K12 National Clubs
School is in session! We've been busy lining up our list of K12 National Clubs and can't wait for you to sign up for the ones that interest you.
IMPORTANT things to keep in mind as you choose your club(s):
- Clubs meet from late September through early May.
- Club meetings are one hour long, and meeting times vary depending on the club and your time zone.
- Please select no more than four clubs.
- Allow two to three weeks for your sign-up details to be processed.
- Once your club registration has been processed, you'll receive an email from your club teacher, and club meetings will appear on your Class Connect schedule.
- Email reminders will be sent one week prior to club meetings.
- Email clubs@k12.com with questions regarding K12 National Clubs.
To join a club or attend a meeting, first choose a category below.
Clubs offered for Kindergarten – 3rd Grade
Clubs offered for 4th – 5th Grade
Idaho 5th & 6th Graders Peak Season Ski/Snowboard Passport
Idaho is gearing up for ski and snowboard season. 5th and 6th graders have a great opportunity to join in on the fun! Visit https://www.skiidaho.us/passports/ to get your 5th or 6th grader’s Peak Season Passport for a one time processing fee of just $18. This passport will allow your Idaho 5th grader three free days at each of 18 participating resorts and your Idaho 6th grader two free days at each of 17 participating resorts!
NCAA and IDVA
If your student is interested in pursuing college athletics, please, be aware that the NCAA has all K12 schools on “extended review” status. IDVA is a K12 school so is on extended review status with the NCAA. Students graduating from a K12 school applying for NCAA eligibility will be denied currently. After they are denied, they can work with the college Athletic Director to gain a waiver. K12 has helped students through this process and has noted that about 75% of these students do get the waivers.
If you have questions or would like more information, please contact your school counselor.
Past Issues of The HOWL
Technical Tips Library
K-5 SCHOOL
ISAT Test Prep Sessions
3rd – 5th grade students,
We now have six months of SY 19-20 under our belt. We recognize how hard you are working to learn new standards and apply what you are learning each school day. We have watched you make progress in the OLS and in live classes that are attended. We are very proud of your effort and success!
ISAT testing will begin on April 8th for all 3rd-5th grade students. Your exact testing date will be sent to you soon. In the meantime, we will be holding ISAT Prep Sessions over the next several Fridays. These sessions will support students with:
- Test Taking Strategies
- ISAT Test Tools and Resources
- Practice Tests
Please watch your Class Connect calendar for our upcoming ISAT prep sessions on the following Fridays:
- Feb 28th
- March 6th
- March 27th
- April 3rd
- April 10th
Testing is a way to show what you know. We understand you work hard and we want to support and celebrate as you achieve your personal goals on the ISAT assessments this spring.
We can’t wait to see you in class,
K5 Teachers
K-5 Learning Coach Tip of the Week
Practice Keyboarding Daily
Typing has become a necessity in our society. Along with that, there is an expectation for students to type in the upcoming spring state tests. Consider adding keyboarding practice to your daily school routine. The following website is a great resource. More information on the site can be found on the following page.
K-5 Reading Tips
How to Help Your Reader Check for Understanding in Reading
Start the book by making predictions. What do you think will happen in this story?
- Ask questions and make comments during the reading process.
- After reading a book have your child tell you the events from the story in the correct order.
- What was the problem in this story?
- How did the character feel when…?
- Encourage your child to make connections. Does this story remind you of another book you read, an event in your life, a movie?
PBS Kids Writers Contest (Grades K-3)
Idaho Public Television PBS KIDS Writers Contest is here! The contest is open to children in grades Kindergarten to 3rd grade. Please make sure to read the rules and complete the entry form.
All entries must be postmarked by the 3rd Saturday in March.
For more information, visit this site: https://www.idahoptv.org/kids/writers/
6-12 SCHOOL
Message from Your 6-12 Team
Hello IDVA 6-12 Families –
With semester two underway, we hope you have found a successful routine and workflow to your school day. We are encouraged to see so many of you challenging yourselves and making improvements in your academic studies.
Thank you to all students who were able to participate in our IDVA Spirit Week, February 10th – 14th. It culminated with a statewide event on Friday, February 14th. It was inspiring seeing the school spirit and Random Acts of Kindness that were given. It truly is a privilege to work and learn alongside each of our students.
An essential part of learning and developing is agency. Student agency refers to the ability to connect learning in a way that is meaningful and relevant to learners and is driven by their interests, and often self-initiated with appropriate guidance from parents, teachers, coaches, and staff. We believe that IDVA offers a great opportunity for students to manage their own progress and learning and build that agency.
We continue to need your partnership and collaboration to make IDVA a wonderful place to learn.
Thank you!
Go Wolves!
6-12 IDVA Staff
IDVA School Counselors
Thinking About High School & Beyond
Explore careers at the following sites:
Future Findr - Career Exploration Quiz
My Next Move - Look up careers or take an interest inventory
Next Steps Idaho - College and career information and resources
Human Rights Poetry Contest (Grades 6-12)
Encourage your children or students to enter an original poem in the Center's annual Human Rights Poetry Contest (Grades 6-12). To participate, students must reflect on any or all aspects of the Spiral of Injustice and explore these concepts in an original work of poetry. Students might consider how one of the following quotes etched in the stone of the Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial relates to interrupting the Spiral of Injustice.
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead
"Be the change you want to see in the world." - Mahatma Gandhi
Entries must be submitted online or onsite no later than Friday, April 3.
For more detail, visit the Wassmuth Center for Human Rights.
D.L. Evans Education Pays Program (Grades 6-12)
D.L. Evans Bank is very proud to support the education of today’s youth. We recognize and reward extraordinary students for their efforts. Every July, D.L. Evans Bank's Education Pays program rewards seven students with laptops for excelling in their core classes. All students must meet the same criteria to enter into the drawing.
Students, grades 6th-12th, can submit an entry form for each "A" they receive in a core class each semester or trimester. To enter, simply bring your report card to the closest D.L. Evans Bank branch and receive an entry for each "A" in a core class.
This is just one way D.L. Evans Bank shows our commitment and support to youth and their education!
Please contact us for further details.
Esports Team (Grades 9-12)
Friday Fast Facts
Please check out the library of helpful Friday Fast Facts videos by Mrs. Wells, High School Master Teacher.
Friday Fast Fact Episodes:
Dismissing and Restoring Announcements
IDVA and ISID Scholarships
IDVA High Achievement Scholarship:
- One award at $2,500
IDVA Academic Excellence Scholarship:
- One award at $2,100
IDVA Janet Aikele Excellence in Online Learning Scholarship:
- Four awards at $1,000
IDVA Odyssey Scholarship :
- Five awards at $1,500
IDVA First Generation Scholarship:
- One award at $1,200
IDVA Career and Technical Education Scholarship:
- One award at $1,200
Insight of Idaho School Scholarship:
- One award at $1,500
Only one scholarship will be awarded to an individual student.
Application Deadline: April 24, 2020
New Counselor Series - You are invited!
IDVA Class of 2020 Graduation Planning
IDVA will hold three formal graduation ceremonies across the state in May 2020. Please save the dates for the ceremony (or ceremonies!) you would like to attend.
Graduation Ceremony Dates:
May 19, 2020 - Kroc Center, Coeur d’Alene (Northern Idaho)
May 21, 2020 - Blackfoot Performing Arts Center (SE Idaho)
May 27, 2020 - Northwest Nazarene University, Brandt Center (Treasure Valley)
Graduation Planning Guide:
Please review and bookmark our Graduation Planning Guide. This is your one stop place for all your graduation planning information.
Attention Seniors and Senior Parents:
Please complete the "Graduation Prep" items in our Graduation Planning Guide. Be sure you complete the Senior Survey so we know your plans.
Thank you for helping us to plan for wonderful graduation celebrations for your students!
IDVA College and Career Website
Please check out IDVA's College and Career website for great resources about advanced opportunities, college, careers, military, and much more!
U.S. Selective Service
Attention all 17 and 18 year old young men:
Remember that when you turn 18, the law says you must register for the Selective Service.
Those who fail to register may be denied student loans, government jobs, and a driver's license in most states. In addition, if you are a male immigrant seeking to become a citizen, you must also be registered, regardless of your immigration status.
Click here to visit the U.S. Selective Service website.
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.