Odyssey Academy of Virtual Learning
February 27th, 2020
Early College Credit Opportunity- Reminder!
At Odyssey, we are able to offer students additional academic opportunities, some of which college and high school credit can be earned. Please read through this document that explains the various programs that are available to high school students.
As noted in the Odyssey Student Handbook, these applications are due to the Odyssey Office by March 1st.
The below information explains each program further and provides the APPLICATIONS for the different programs.
The Youth Options statute (118.55) was renamed the Early College Credit Program (ECCP). The ECCP statute allows Wisconsin public and private high school students to take one or more courses at an institution of higher education for high school and/or college credit.
- Under this section, “institution of higher education” means an institution within the University of Wisconsin System, a tribally controlled college, or a private, nonprofit institution of higher education located in the state.
- While technical colleges are not eligible institutions under the new program, pupils that have completed 10th grade will continue to have the option to take courses at technical colleges through a separate statute, 38.12(14). To learn more, go to the Start College Now tab in the menu on the left.
ECCP- Early College Credit Program
ECCP Basics Informational Overview
WI Private & Nonprofit Colleges & Universities Application
SCN- Start College Now (Technical Schools)
Start College Now” will allow high school students the opportunity to take college courses at Wisconsin Technical Colleges. Statute 38.12 (14) lays out all the aspects of the program. Students looking to take courses in the fall semester must turn in the application by March 1, 2020. For spring semester courses the same application is used, however the due date is October 1, 2020.
If you have any questions regarding these programs, please contact me.
ACT 11 - Practice Materials
Below are numerous resources to help your child to prepare for the ACT test. The first link is a very helpful booklet that explains to students how to prepare for the ACT test. Many practice tests are available through the below links as well. It is not too early to start preparing for this important test for juniors.
- Preparing for the ACT - student informational booklet
- ACT Academy
- Sample Test Questions
- Online Practice Tests
- Test Preparation
Important Dates
March 1- ECCP and SCN Applications Due (early college credit)
March 3- ACT Test for Juniors
March 5- Discovery World Field Trip
March 16-20- Spring Break
April 7 & 8- Aspire & Forward Testing in Brookfield
April 13 & 14- Aspire & Forward Testing in Ripon & Merrill
April 22- Student Government Opportunity (see below)
April 23- Marsh Haven Field Trip
May 6- Timber Rattlers Game for participating students
Wisconsin Standardized State Testing
ACT Aspire- Grades 9 & 10 and FORWARD EXAM- Grades 3-8 and 10 (S.S. Only)
- April 7 & 8- Brookfield
- April 13 & 14- Ripon & Merrill
If you haven't already completed the sign-up for each of your children in the above grade levels, please do so as soon as possible. See below link.
First Art Class- Friday, March 27th
We welcome you to join us for any of the upcoming art classes, taught by licensed Art teacher, Ms. Laura Gruetzmacher.
We have an Elementary-aged class and a Middle/High school-aged class. Please see below for the dates and time. If you are interested, please use the below Sign-Up sheet.
Virtual Field Trips
Connect Here: https://ultimateradioshow.com/virtual-field-trips-2/
Student Government Opportunity
The Fond du Lac County Council American Legion and Auxiliary has made plans for Fond du Lac County Student Government Day to take place Wednesday, April 22, 2020. The committee has been working with the Fond du Lac County staff to update the agenda to make the day
interesting and informative. There will be an overview of the Sheriff’s Office with a tour of the
Communication Center (Dispatch). The sessions in the Legislative Chambers are alternated with the tours to keep “sitting time” to a minimum. We are hoping to be able to have a plea and sentencing hearing.
The students will get the opportunity to vote on pertinent issues surrounding education. A ballot will focus on the following topics:
- mandated silent reflection at the beginning of the school day ?
- should teachers be allowed to collect cell phones at the beginning of class ?
- should the state of WI allow illegal immigrants to apply for a driver's license ?
- should the state of WI legalize the use of recreational marijuana ?
Odyssey Academy can send up to 4 interested students. If you are interested, please let Rebecca Miller know by February 29th.
Open Enrollment for 2020-2021
Many questions have arisen regarding Open Enrollment from current Odyssey families and interested families. Please read through the following information carefully. Open Enrollment for the 2020-2021 school year begins February 3rd. The application will be available starting February 3rd, the link is provided below.
Enrollment Process for 2020-2021
Current Resident Families: In July, information will be sent out to families on how to complete the online registration process. This is the process where you verify and make any updates to your contact information. Please know that you do not have to partake in open enrollment.
Current Open Enrolled Families: Please do not complete the open enrollment process again to our district. The best part about open enrollment is that you only have to complete it one year. If you do complete the open enrollment process again for Odyssey we will ask that you please log back in to DPI and remove your application to help prevent duplication. In July, you will get information on how to complete the online registration process. This is the process where you verify and make any updates to your contact information.
New Interested Open Enrolled Families: Please complete the open enrollment process between February 3 and April 30. Once the open enrollment window is complete we will contact you with the next steps.
We will continue to accept new students for THIS school year (2019-2020), that is done through the 'Alternate Open Enrollment' form. If there are any questions, please contact us.
State Testing.... How it benefits YOU!
How does it impact Odyssey if my child does not take the state test?
As a public school, Odyssey is required to participate in the state testing. For each student who does not participate in the state testing, a zero is recorded as a score. Each student score recorded as a zero on the state tests has devastating effects on the overall school performance on the report card. Parents and families want the best education for their children. The report cards help parents make decisions about what school they may choose for their children.
How does state testing directly benefit my child and for me as a parent?
These tests provide a measure to parents of students' knowledge and skills required to be college- and career- ready. The test results provide parents with information on how their child and their child’s school is performing relative to other students and schools in Wisconsin.
Why does the state of Wisconsin require students to take standardized tests?
The federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requires states to test all students in English/language arts and mathematics to hold schools accountable to provide high quality instruction to students. Each public school in the state of Wisconsin is issued a report card noting a school’s proficiency in five categories: student achievement, district growth, student engagement, postsecondary readiness and achievement gaps.
REMINDER- Discovery World Field Trip- All Odyssey Students
Participation Form- complete by February 1st
Thursday, Mar 5, 2020, 10:15 AM
Discovery World, North Harbor Drive, Milwaukee, WI, USA
Want to learn more about Odyssey Academy?
Virtual Meetings:
Monday, February 3rd- 6:00 pm
Thursday, February 20th- 6:00 pm
Monday, March 9th- 6:00 pm
Wednesday, April 1st- 6:00 pm
Connection Link to meeting: https://zoom.us/j/9419279498
or dropped off at the Ripon School District Office: 1120 Metomen St., Ripon, WI
CONTACT US
Email: odyssey@ripon.k12.wi.us
Website: www.odysseyacademyofvirtuallearning.com
Location: 1120 Metomen Street, Ripon, WI, USA
Phone: 920-748-4625
Facebook: facebook.com/www.facebookodysseyacademyofvirtuallearning
Twitter: @AcademyOdyssey