Skyrocket Newsletter
Launch Virtual Academy - Quarter 3 Week 1
Are you ready (be safe) for the Solar Eclipse (Monday, April 8th)
We (San Diego) are not in the eclipse's "Path of Totality". We will experience partial eclipse. This is generational experience. The next Solar Eclipse will take place 20 years in the future.
Do not look directly to the sun even if the moon is partially covering it - you might permanently damage your eyes. You must look through safe solar viewing glasses (“eclipse glasses”) or a safe handheld solar viewer at all times. Eclipse glasses are NOT regular sunglasses; regular sunglasses, no matter how dark, are not safe for viewing the Sun. There are safe ways to watch the eclipse.
- Partial Eclipse Begins: At 10:03:27 AM PDT, the edge of the Moon will touch the edge of the Sun, marking the start of the partial eclipse.
- Maximum Eclipse: The deepest point of the eclipse, with the Sun at its most hidden, will occur at 11:11:25 AM PDT.
- Partial Eclipse Ends: Around 12:23:16 PM PDT, the edge of the Moon will leave the edge of the Sun, concluding the partial eclipse.
Weekly Schedule - Don't be late to class! 🤓
Dear Launch Academy Student & Parent/Guardians
Quarter 4 (Q4) is in full swing. Students should be attending their live classes and submitting work in Canvas. Your goal is to complete your assigned Q4 classes, as there will not be credit completion at the end of the quarter. Nevertheless, our school will offer Summer School, more details in the newsletter.
Our fourth quarter (Q4) has 10 weeks. Practically, you will have 9 weeks to complete your assigned classes. You can do it! And we are here to support you. Reach out to your teachers for support, attend online tutoring and come to in-person Space Hub. If there are any issues with your class schedule, contact your counselor immediately by email.
Have you heard the news? Mr. Ballard, our music teacher is one of the five nation wide teachers to be inducted into the 2024 National Teachers Hall of Fame. We are very proud of Mr. Ballard - you can find more details HERE.
At Launch Virtual Academy, each student has the flexibility and freedom to be in control of their learning experience. However, this new power comes with new responsibilities. We, wholeheartedly believe that you can be successful in an online environment. You have us on your team!
Be curious, be active, and engage in your education,
Dr. Ulloa - Principal
jesus.ulloa-higuera@sweetwaterschools.org [escríbeme en Español]
Launch Virtual Academy
Please feel free to contact the school by using the Wellbeing Support Request Form, if you need to talk with someone about your emotions.
News for this week:
- Space HUB (Hybrid) - Space Hub will start Tuesday, April 9th
- Online Tutoring - Check the Skyrocket Newsletter for dates and times.
- ELPAC Testing - Contact Mr. Hernandez for details
Fourth Quarter (Q4) Information
- First Day of School for our fourth quarter (Q4) is Wednesday, April 3rd, 2024.
- Progress Report # 1 will be available to parents and students on April 19th.
- Progress Report #2 will be available to parents and students on May 10th.
- Quarter 4 Final Grades will be available to parents and students on June 5th.
- Questions about your Q4 class schedule? Contact your counselor.
Quarter 4 & Summer School Calendar
Go Rockets!
We have an official logo and school colors!
We are pleased to announce the results of our recent mascot and school colors survey. After careful consideration and tallying of votes from the entire school community, it is our honor to inform you that the Launch Virtual Academy will now be represented by the Rockets! and our official school colors are Royal Blue & Silver.
We appreciate everyone who took the time to contribute their voice to this important decision-making process. The Rockets will serve as a symbol of our school spirit, pride, and collective identity as we continue to strive for excellence in all endeavors.
Next step: Student mascot's logo design contest using artificial intelligence (ai). Stay tuned for details.
Associated Student Body
Launch Virtual Academy
2024 Summer School at Launch Virtual Academy
Launch Virtual Academy will host its own Summer School. Summer School will be from June 10th - June 28th, with June 19th being a holiday. Information about Launch Virtual Academy's Summer School will be coming out next week. If interested in going to summer school in-person please contact Assistant Principal Courtney Quinn. Email: courtney.quinn@sweetwaterschools.org
Meet our NEW Associated Student Body (ASB) Teacher Advisor - Ms. Katherine Velliquette
Please meet Ms. Velliquette, our NEW ASB Teacher Advisor. She has been a member of our team for several years and now will lead our Associated Student Body efforts. With her passion for student engagement and leadership, she will undoubtedly contribute greatly to our ASB program.
As our new ASB teacher advisor, Ms. Velliquette will be working closely with our students to foster a vibrant school community through various activities, events, and initiatives. She brings fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to enhance our ASB program and ensure that it continues to reflect the diverse interests and needs of our student body.
She can be reached through TEAMS, CANVAS - Launch Connect, and by email at katherine.velliquette@sweetwaterschools.org
Space Hub
- Space Hub will start Tuesday, April 9th for Quarter 4
- Space HUB support is offered to students every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 9am to 12:30pm at our school's administrative offices located at 1411 27th Street, San Diego, CA 91154.
- Snack and Lunch are provided.
- Students will attend their online classes and receive in-person support from teachers, tutors and support staff.
Online Tutoring Support System
Online Tutoring
- Monday -Friday (9:00am-12:30am) and (1:00pm - 3:00pm) Click HERE for the live link.
- Monday (5:30pm - 9:00pm) Click HERE for the live link.
- Tuesday (9:00am - 2:00pm) (5:30pm - 9:00pm) Click HERE for the live link.
- Wednesday (9:00am to 2:00pm) (3:00pm - 9:00pm) Click HERE for the live link.
- Thursday (3:00pm - 9:00pm) Click HERE for the live link.
- Friday (9:00am - 2:00pm) Click HERE for the live link.
- Support for English, Science, History and Math
Upcoming Testing at LVA
ELPAC Testing
ELPAC Testing for Enlgish Learners is on-going. For questions contact Erik Hernandez @ erik.hernandez@sweetwaterschools.org
CAASPP Testing
Testing will start begin April 16th to May 3rd. Students in grades 7,8 and 11 will test. 12th grade students who have not taken the science exam will have to take the science test. More information to follow.
We are happy to know that you are continuing your education with us at Launch Virtual Academy. It takes two online processes to complete your registration at our school:
- Online process 1- Complete Sweetwater Union High School District (SUHSD) Online Registration for 2024-25 school year. You can find guidelines HERE.
- Online process 2- Complete Launch Virtual Academy's Learning Agreement for 2024-25 school year.
We would like to encourage you to complete the registration even if you might consider going back to in-person school for next school year.
2024-2025 Course Selections
Dear Launch Academy Students and Families,
As we start the last quarter of the 2023-2024 school year, it's time to start thinking about next year!
Please take a moment to complete the Course Selection form for the 2024-2025 school year. If you are planning on continuing your education with Launch Academy, you will be able to select your courses for next year. If you are not planning on continuing with us next year, it is important that you complete the exit survey included in this form so we can follow up with you on your plans for next year.
Course selections are different for each grade level, so be sure to select your class:
Class of 2025 Course Selections (current 11th graders)
Class of 2026 Course Selections (current 10th graders)
Class of 2027 Course Selections (current 9th graders)
Class of 2028 Course Selections (current 8th graders)
Class of 2029 Course Selections (current 7th graders)
Make sure to review the Launch Elective Course Descriptions so you can make an informed decision about your elective choices.
A few of our AP and Elective teachers have created videos to share more about their courses. Take a moment to click on the following links to find out more!
Introduction to Behavioral and Mental Health (only for Class of 2027)
Please complete this form by Friday, April 12th .
Please reach out to your counselor if you have any questions:
Ms. Araki (A - L)
Ms. Saiki (M - Z)
Thank you,
Launch Academy Counseling Department
P-EBT 4.0 is a federal program, providing food benefits to families with eligible children who may have missed free or reduced-price meals at their school or childcare because of COVID-19. P-EBT 4.0 is the fourth and final version of the P-EBT program following the expiration of the federal Public Health Emergency. P-EBT 4.0 provides benefits to eligible children for the 2022–2023 school year and summer 2023. All P-EBT 4.0 cards will be issued by the State of California and sent to student households by September 30, 2023.
- Students who were enrolled in a virtual school or homeschool may be eligible if they exited an in-person school after January 2020, and they must have been in Independent Study for the 2021-22 AND 2022-23 school years. These children can apply for P-EBT 4.0 benefits by visiting GetPEBT.org. Applications can be submitted between July 21, 2023 and August 15, 2023.
Flyer and more details HERE.
Access to CANVAS for Parents as "Observers"
Creating your CANVAS Parent Account
Step 1. Get your student you generate a Pairing Code for you. Guidelines HERE.
Step 2. Using a computer's internet browser go to https://suhsdk12.instructure.com/login/canvas
Step 3. Select "Parent of a CANVAS User" and enter your information including your self-selected password and your student Paring Code.
*At this point you already will have access to your student CANVAS classes as "Observer"
Now, let's get the CANVAS Parent Phone App to work
Step 1. Download CANVAS Parent phone App on your phone.
Step 2. Select the bottom option "QR Login". And select that you already have a CANVAS accont.
Step 3. Now, after successfully logging into CANVAS on a computer, go to “Account” > “QR for Mobile Login” and Scan the QR CODE from your phone CANVAS Parent App.
Athletic Participation - Sports Information Center
Sweetwater High School District Athletic Information
Make One-On-One Appointments with Teachers and Counselors
To facilitate the scheduling of an online meeting with you, Launch Academy teachers and counselors use of Calendly.
- Teachers email contact and Calendly links HERE.
- Counseling team email contact and Calendly links HERE.
Let's meet to work together!
C/O 2024 Graduation and Promotion Information
Senior Graduation- Tentatively Launch Virtual Academy graduation date has been set to take place on June 3rd at 6pm at Montgomery High School (3250 Palm Ave, San Diego, CA 92154).
8th Grade Promotion - Tentatively Launch Virtual Academy graduation date has been set to take place on June 3rd at 3pm at Montgomery High School (3250 Palm Ave, San Diego, CA 92154).
Attention Seniors c/o 2024. Please contact MG Portraits and schedule an appointment for your senior and Cap and Gown portraits. Click on the link to schedule an appointment: https://www.mgportraits.com/
Click on the flyer for more information.
California Student Opportunity and Access Program (Cal-SOAP)
Need assistance completing your financial aid application? Launch Virtual Academy is excited to continue our partnership with Cal-SOAP to provide virtual one-on-one financial aid support for all of our seniors!
Effective December 11, 2023, each senior will be assigned a College Readiness Coach, who will be available to answer any college or financial aid questions via email and/or Zoom appointment.
Please reach out to your College Readiness Coach (assigned by student last name) to schedule your appointment:
- A - Cosme: Marisela Cota (m2cota@ucsd.edu)
- Cruz - Garcia, D: Isadora Ruiz (ihruiz@ucsd.edu)
- Garcia, E - Lara: Francisco Rodriguez Martinez (fgrodriguezmartinez@ucsd.edu)
- Lewis - Noah, A: Kim Lim (kll003@ucsd.edu)
- Noah, J - R: Oscar Sanchez (o1sanchez@ucsd.edu)
- S - Z: Josh Paez (j1paez@ucsd.edu)
Have additional questions? Contact your Launch Virtual Academy counselor.
Tech Support
Need Help Buying Food For Your Family?
CALFRESH CAN HELP! Click HERE for more information
Launch Virtual Academy ASB News
CSF Application is now open for the Fall 2023 grades (Quarter 1 and Quarter 2)
California Scholarship Federation (CSF) is a statewide recognized honorary academic society that was established in the 1920's. Membership is based on semester grades and students apply each semester for membership. Beginning in 10th grade, if you apply and qualify for four semesters, including one in your senior year, you will be a Life Member. If you apply and qualify all six possible semesters, you will receive Lifetime Membership with Honors.
CSF Lifetime Members will all be recognized at their senior graduation. In addition to being recognized for academic achievements at graduation, colleges and universities also tend to look favorably on CSF membership when reviewing applications.
Please submit your CSF Membership Application for Fall Semester 2023 (Quarter 1 & Quarter 2) by March 15th.
Click to apply: Launch Virtual Academy CSF
This application will close after that due date.
Class of 2024 Cap and Gown Information
Please click on the link to begin buying your cap & gown and tassel. https://sdgrad.com/School/LaunchVirtualAcademy/1684676-list
Tentatively Launch Virtual Academy graduation date has been set to take place on June 3 at 6pm at Montgomery High School (3250 Palm Ave, San Diego, CA 92154).
Deadline to order Cap and Gown: March15th.
You'll receive your cap and gown package between the months of April and May. Please do not decorate or write anything on your cap and gown. We do not allow decorated cap and gowns at the graduation.
Orientation meeting Friday, April 12th at 12:30pm - MEETING LINK HERE
Contact Mr. Preston for details.
Join Our Exciting New Cooking Club!
Hello Rockets!!! If you have a passion for culinary arts, a desire for delicious flavors, and a desire to connect with other food enthusiasts, this club is for you. Join us as we embark on a journey to discover, learn, and enjoy the art of cooking.
Click on the link: Cooking Club
Rising Star Form
If you want to nominate someone for the next Rising Star please fill out the form by clicking on the flyer.
K- Pop Club
Click on the flyer and fill out the form for more information.
Launch Virtual Academy Debate Club
Want to learn how to research, articulate arguments and clarify ideas? Then join the Debate Club. Please fill out the Debate Club Interest Form:DC Form
Launch Virtual Academy Crochet Club
Did you know LVA has a crochet club? We are currently looking for new members of all skill levels even if you don't know how to crochet we are able to help out. If you are interested please complete the form by clicking on the flyer.
Click on the picture and fill out the form to join our yearbook club.
SUHSD Student Work Permit
How to get a Work Permit All SUHSD students must:
1. Have a 2.0 or higher GPA.
2. Attend school regularly.
3. Interviewing or in the
process of being hired.
If you qualify, please follow the steps below.
1. Complete the Work Permit application (SUHSD Form No. B1-1). All highlighted
sections must be completed by the appropriate persons.
2. Return the application to Monica Castro at
monica.castro@sweetwaterschools.org.
Your Work Permit will be issued within 1-2 business days if you meet the all the requirements. After receiving your Work Permit you will be required to take it to your employer.
Work permits will be canceled if a student no longer meets the requirements. Work
Permits must be renewed each year at the start of school, or if employment changes.