Welcome to LAVCA Edition #2
Please take the time to read this document carefully so that we can get off to a GREAT start!
You're family at LAVCA!
We are excited that you have chosen to school at LAVCA! We look forward to working with your family to ensure your success.
Each new family will work with an Advisor as they get started. Please take note of your Advisor's contact information. Your homeroom teacher and Advisor are your first points of contact as you are getting started but please be mindful that staff will be periodically unavailable due to summer training and vacation schedules.
Each new family will have a mandatory connection session with your Advisor. Additionally, we will reach out via telephone to welcome you! Please take the time for this call from 504-322-7543. The Student Support Team is in place to help you have a Strong Start and get you acquainted with the "ins and outs" of virtual schooling! Your Advisor will give you important information and answer questions you may have to help you confidently prepare for schooling virtually.
Student Support Team Contact Information
Carolyn Coleman, Director of Truancy and Engagement
Email: ccoleman@lavirtual.org
Phone: 3188
Yvonne Chimwaza, Student Support Administrator
Shawandalyn Johnson, Community Engagement Specialist
Email: shjohnson@lavirtual.org
Phone: 3158
Shauna Ferguson, K-5 Advisor
LAVCA is readying for construction....listed below are your next 5 steps of the preparation toolbox
Step 8: Prepare Computers for Virtual Sessions
- Internet Service: be sure that you have good connectivity and watch hot spot data plans. Sometimes the bandwidth is decreased significantly after a specific amount of data usage and it can be troublesome.
- Students will need a computer with a working microphone and speakers and most likely, a headset. For help with speakers and microphones, click HERE.
*If you qualify for a loaner computer but haven't received it yet, please have a Plan B for completing the following steps (and possibly school work) until your computer arrives. You can go to the public library, use a personal computer that you own, or borrow a friend or family member's computer.
- Install Google Chrome as your browser for K12's online school. For directions, click HERE.
- Update Browsers
Update Chrome: https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95414?co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop&hl=en
Update Firefox: https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/update-firefox-latest-release
- Unblock pop-ups for Virtual Sessions and Assessments:
Unblock in Chrome: https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95472?co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop&hl=en
Unblock in Firefox: https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/pop-blocker-settings-exceptions-troubleshooting
How to Download Office 365 / School Email for Students
- Make sure your email is working:
Click here for information on your school email.
If you are unable to access your school email, try these steps.
Students can also set up their school email accounts on their mobile devices. Click here for directions.
Email is our main mode of communication. You will receive important, timely information via email. Checking and responding to your email daily is mandatory.
Having trouble? Click here for troubleshooting tips.
Activation of your Office 365 Account
As part of each student’s enrollment, desktop and applications of Microsoft Office Suite are included as an additional free resource. This guide provides instructions for students to install applications of the Microsoft Suite on their PC, Mac or mobile device.
Click here for more information
Install Blackboard Collaborate (BBC) and Adobe Reader. BBC is what you will use to "go" to class. If you received a computer from K12, these programs should be loaded on your computer.
Click here for blackboard collaborate help.
Click here for Adobe Reader installation instructions.
Click here to download Adobe Flash.
Click here to download Java.
If you have any problems downloading the programs, please contact technical support via web request or phone at 866-512-2273.
Step 9: Establish a Designated School Area
Take some time to watch the videos below for ideas on setting up your learning space and creating schedules and routines.
Simplicity is Key...Work Areas Do Not Need to be Expensive
Key tips:
- Be sure work areas are visible to LCs at all times to ensure time on task.
- If schooling multiple children, strive for work areas that face away from each other or have dividers so that students can maintain focus.
- Be sure that your designated schooling area is near your router and modem if using wifi. Remember that direct connections speed up connectivity tremendously and are always the best choice.
Step 10- ENSURING WE HAVE CORRECT DOCUMENTATION: Complete the Withdrawal Process from Your Previous School If NOT Completed
Withdrawal Forms/Report Cards/LEAP Scores/IEPs/504s
All public and charter school students should get an official withdrawal/drop slip from their current school on the last day of their current enrollment. Typically, this requires that you go to the school personally to obtain this form. (We do not need withdrawal/drop slips from kindergarten students, private school students, or out-of-state students.)
We also need an official, final report card from your previous school and an official transcript is you are a high school student.
All documents except 504s and IEPs should be emailed or faxed to the correct registrar below.
K-7 Registrar: La’Porsche Williams Akinosho
8-12th grade Registrar:
Cassandra Mullins at cmullins@lavirtual.org
504 Plans
- If your student has a 504 plan, you can fax it to the attention of Tara Ferguson, 504 Coordinator at tferguson@lavirtual.org
LAVCA Fax: 504-300-0806
Step 11: Begin Gathering School Supplies
General Supplies:
No. 2 Pencils
Ballpoint Pens
Crayons (16 or more)
Markers: Colored (8 or more)
Marker: Black permanent
Non-toxic Highlighter
Round-end safety Scissors
Adult Glue
Children’s white non-toxic Glue Stick
White Board
Dry Erase Markers
Paper Clips
Ruler (metric and standard)
Yardstick
Index Cards (3x5)
Index Card Box or Storage
Lined Notebook Paper (loose leaf)
Computer Printer Paper (as needed)
Printer Ink (as needed --LAVCA does NOT provide ink for any printers)
Colored Construction Paper
Poster Board (as needed)
Three Ring Binders for Work Storage and Organization
Tab Dividers
Step 12: Avoid the Summer Slide....
Studies show that children who do not read or have access to books during the summer lose up to 2 months of reading performance. Those losses accumulate during the elementary school years so that by the time a child enters middle school he/she may be 2 1/2 years behind! All children, whether from low, middle or upper income families, may fall victim to the “summer slide” if not provided with summer reading opportunities. So how do we prevent the summer slide or even accelerate reading growth? Here are a few ideas:
- Ideas for summer reading logs/printables:
- http://myfrugaladventures.com/2015/05/free-summer-reading-log-printables-and-activities/
- Online summer reading programs:
- Local Libraries are AMAZING options for summer reading programs...and other summer fun as well!
K12 Brain Boost Summer Enrichment Program
The goal of this new program is to offer a fun and engaging in-platform experience within the Online School, especially for newly enrolled students to give them time to experience our platform before regular school starts in the fall. Classes can be found in the OLS/OMHS under “Classes Section” starting June 15th. This is an optional program.
Additional Notes
LAVCA Blended Learning Centers
- LAVCA’S Blended Learning program is an academic support specifically designed for students in grades 3-5 who have not yet mastered learning targets in Math and/or ELA.
- Blended teachers work with students in a structured, face-to-face setting to assist with daily lessons and to identify areas of academic need.
- Students receive one-on-one and small group instruction, as well as support in developing time management and organization skills.
- Blended students also have the opportunity for social interaction with other students in their age group.
Due to COVID-19, our blended learning centers will not operate in a face-to-face setting until further notice. Our Blended Staff will be integrated into the general ed classes in the morning and will host ELA/Math small groups on Monday/Tuesday afternoon. More information will be shared at the beginning of the school year.
Thank you!
Thank you for completing these steps in a timely manner. We appreciate your dedication to your student's education. Know that we are available to help. Do not hesitate to contact your Advisor or another member of our team if you have any questions or concerns. The majority of our staff will be in professional development the week of July 20th - 24th. In the meantime, read all communications thoroughly for an amazing school year and contact our school offices directly at 504-322-7543 if you have immediate needs.
LAVCA
Website: http://lavca.k12.com/
Email: shjohnson@lavirtual.org
Phone: 504-322-7543
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LouisianaVirtualCharterAcademy