Welcome Letter
Mr. Rice - Q4 - 2022-23
Introduction:
Hello Everyone and Welcome to a brand new term at the Virtual School House (VSH)!
My name is Mr. Rice and I am honored to be one of your teachers this session at VSH.
The flexibility afforded by being online through VSH allows students to have more control over their schedules.
Though we are not in a regular 'brick and mortar' school classroom situation, I think you will find that learning still takes place, no matter what the location, and the online experience can be very rewarding.
Please be sure to read this entire newsletter as there are things here that might be helpful.
TEAMS is the interactive format that we will be using as our virtual classroom interface.
For those students scheduled with live classes:
TEAMS includes: mandatory live sessions, attendance, weekly assignments and archived / recorded classes. TEAMS also includes a link to the weekly smore (my newsletter that I also email out).
The Edgenuity / Imagine Learning program is used for the curriculum and all class work will be completed and submitted through this program, and not trough TEAMS or via email. Access to classes will be open by the morning of the first day of the term.
Here is a link from Administration as to how to log in to the Edgenuity program.
I look forward to a great session!
Best,
Mr. Rice
About Me:
Before coming to West Ada in 2019, I had taught high school English, Film Theory / Production and Creative Writing, in addition to middle school ELA. I have also taught night school English and high level English Language Learners (ELL), as well as Speech and Reaching Academic Potential, so I come to you with more than 15 years of varied experience. I am especially excited to be at VSH!
I earned my Master of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees from the University of Oregon (Go Ducks!), and my teaching credential from Boise State University. I have been known to root for the BSU Broncos, as my extended family are die-hard fans. In addition, I hold an Idaho Education Administration credential and the EL (English Language Learners) certification.
I have three children, including one now in college at the University of Idaho, who are working through both in-class and online schooling, so I understand what the parents and students are going through. We all just need patience, understanding and flexibility with each other as we take this online journey.
In my spare time, I like to play guitar, hit the gym, ride bikes, go to the beach or any place with water, and write fiction. I have published one novel https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/time-in-a-bottle-raymond-rice/1114071837 and I continue to work on my next one, as time permits.
Meeting Times / Procedures: (For Live Classes and Those with the Independent Study Option)
For Those with Live Classes:
Monday - Thursday Classes- Core and supplemental material classes are held at the designated class period times. These are the required live lessons.
These class sessions are recorded and will be posted in the “archived sessions” channel for students to watch (if they missed the live class) or to review concepts as needed. The link for these sessions can be found in the “live class link” channel in Teams.
The recordings are listed under 'Files' in the Archive Classes TEAMS channel, and are grouped in folders, by week.
Friday Classes - For remediation.
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For Independent Study Students (IS):
There are no live classes for students on independent study.
All classwork is to be completed before the end of the term.
Classes can be completed at any time (early). It is expected that adequate progress will be made throughout the term so that IS students will complete the coursework in time and earn their credit. Failure to do so leads to a student failing the class and not earning credit.
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Attendance: (Only For Those with Live Classes)
The official VSH attendance policy will be followed, which includes work submission. Please see the VSH information for more specifics about attendance.
Office Hours - 2:45pm - 3:15pm.
Of course, you can email at any time and I will reply as soon as I can.
Other Information:
Please understand that in the late afternoon / evening I will be with my family and/or tending to outside of school responsibilities. Because of this, communications sent outside of the school day could be delayed until the following school day.
A Note on Grades:
Grades are maintained in PowerSchool, and you have access to that information 24/7.
PLEASE REFER TO POWERSCHOOL FOR THE MOST CURRENT AND ACCURATE STUDENT GRADES. THE GRADES IN EDGENUITY ARE NOT ALWAYS ACCURATE.
Assignments / Due Dates:
Your curriculum and learning resources are provided online, through Edgenuity.
All assignments and due dates are communicated through Edgenuity.
It is expected that students will meet assigned deadlines in order to maintain a pace to complete materials and earn class credit.
Quizzes and Tests:
Students usually have up to 3 attempts to earn a 70% or better on a quiz / test. This does not include the final exam.
Live Class Classroom Etiquette:
Just like in a 'brick and mortar' classroom, the virtual space has specific rules and expectations. During live TEAMS meetings, only appropriate questions or responses will be tolerated. Be respectful of each other and the virtual space.
SPAMMING OF EMOJIS OR GIFS WILL NOT BE TOLERATED IN MY LIVE SESSIONS!
During the live session, you may be asked to turn on your microphones and / or cameras. Please plan accordingly to make sure that you are ready for the school session: wear appropriate clothing, be in a place with a wall behind you or use a blurred background, no distracting noises...etc. Unless otherwise instructed, you will keep your screen off and mic muted.
Classroom Rules:
Respect this virtual space. Respect each other (me included). Respect yourself.
Live Class Students - Attendance:
If you are going to miss school for any reason, here are the contact numbers:
The VSH attendance line number is: 208-855-4456.
The Office number is: 208-350-4010
Contact Information:
Email: rice.raymond@westada.org
Website: https://www.westada.org/vsh
Phone: (208) 350-4010