River Valley Academy News
An RVA Family Update
December 4, 2020 Edition
Let's get productive!
I hope all of you had a relaxing and enjoyable Thanksgiving Break! Now it is time to buckle down and get work done!
Your student should be working at least 45 minutes on each class. Students are expected to attend all Google Meet class sessions, as roll is taken.
All courses are available to students in Schoology or Edgenuity, so students have what they need to work remotely, with the support of their teachers via Google Meet.
As always, please contact me with any questions you may have or if there is anything you need.
Sincerely,
Jenny Thompson
Director of Adult/Alternative Education
Rockford Public Schools
Remote Learning Schedule
Google Meet sessions are currently happening for our students working form home. Students are expected to participate in 5 Google Meets a day, and remain in attendance for the full 45 minute period. Attendance will be taken, and tardies recorded.
Here is the schedule that RFC, RHS, and RVA will follow from November 17 through December 8:
First hour: 9-9:45
Second hour: 9:55-10:40
Third hour: 10:50-11:35
Lunch: 11:35-12:05
Intervention/small group (teacher may ask you to participate): 12:05-12:35
Fourth hour: 12:45-1:30
Fifth hour: 1:40-2:25
Google Meet nicknames will be the teacher's first name followed by the class hour. For example, if you have Heather for third hour, the code would be heather3.
If any packets or other school items are needed, these can be picked up at RVA. Please let the office know what you need.
How do I know how my student is doing?
Edgenuity courses offer parent updates. If you would like to be signed up to receive these, please complete this form. When the form has been processed, you will receive directions for signing up for the Parent Portal along with an access code. You will receive daily updates. If you want specific information on how your student is doing in Edgenuity, ask your student for their login information. If you log in as the student, you can see a more detailed report.
Good questions to ask your student include:
1. Are you attending all class sessions, whether school is in person or remote?
2. Are you completing at least one assignment in each class session?
3. About how far in each course are you?
4. What are you doing well?
5. What can you do better?
Parents and schools are partners in educating students!
Teacher Spotlight
Tony performing
Tony Reynolds
Tony with Seal
He has subbed in many West Michigan districts and previously in Dallas, Texas. Tony graduated from the University of North Texas.
Tony says he didn't always know what he wanted to do, but he figured out his career path along the way, "falling backwards into music after college, not knowing it would become a career. I approach work much as I do life, each moment is a new experience and an opportunity to learn, to grow, to share, and to further understand, enjoy, and embrace all I can." To students considering career and post-secondary options, Tony says, "The practical side of me would suggest a vocation that offers career stability. The creative side of me would suggest pursuing your passion. If you can combine the two, then Voila!"
Tony is motivated by curiosity. He wants to complete what he starts, and to "further understand this experience called life." Tony has done this at RVA, jumping in to Schoology, Skyward, and Edgenuity, but most importantly, caring for students with both diligence and joy.
Thanks for your work with us, Tony!
KCTC Virtual Visits are up and running! There are 3 steps to get enrolled for next year!
If you are a junior or sophomore and you are interested in KCTC for next year, please let Jenny know, by signing up using the KCTC Individual Virtual Visit survey. Step 3: After your individual virtual visit, let Jenny know your interest in getting registered for KCTC next year!
Groundhog Shadow Day is coming!
Virtual!
Friday, February 5, 2021
Students will have the opportunity to participate in up to three virtual job shadows, offered by local employers in a wide variety of occupations and career pathways. Employer registration is now open for this great day of career exploration and student registration opens December 15!
This year, we will be offering three time slots running 60-minutes each:
7:30am - 8:30am
9:30am - 10:30am
12:30pm - 1:30pm
Parents/Guardians: We are seeking adults from a wide variety of occupations to join us as career mentors. Please help us get the word out to your employers or consider hosting a session yourself. Visit kentisd.org/groundhog for more information.
Developing Healthy Kids - Handling Stress and Anxiety During Covid 19!
Developing Healthy Kids put together a panel of mental health experts to address questions from Rockford families regarding the stress and anxiety caused by Covid 19. View it here!
How are you doing? People care and want to help!
RVA has an amazing staff, social worker, and mental health liaison who can listen and connect you to resources!
Ele's Place is a community based organization with the mission to create awareness of and support for grieving children and their families. Please find a very helpful guide for parents - how to support teens, as well as a handout titled, How to Help Yourself: For Teens below.
Please reach out with any questions you have or if there is anything you need!
Email: jthompson@rockfordschools.org
Website: http://www.rockfordschools.org
Location: 350 North Main Street, Rockford, MI, USA
Phone: 616-863-6324
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rivervalleyacademy
Twitter: @academy_river