ORVA Community Newsletter
February 2022
In This Issue
- Immunization Deadline
- Star360 Troubleshooting Tips
- Perfect Attendance
- Activities Coordinator Corner
- Learning Coach Corner
- Text opt In
- Connect With ORVA Students/Families
- NHS and NJHS
- Box Tops
- Scholastic Books
- Amazon Smile
- Vector Solutions
- Elementary Spotlight
- Middle School Spotlight
- High School Spotlight
- Special Programs Spotlight
- From our School Psychologist
- Community Resources
- School Calendar
- Student Handbook
- Contact Us
Immunization Deadline
541-751-8060
Star360 Troubleshooting Tips
Change time zone setting on computer to automatic (type "time zone" in the search bar located in your task bar next to your windows button)
Try this link again, sometimes the link can go bad and send you somewhere different. https://global-zone08.renaissance-go.com/welcomeportal/5573068
Try the link in a different browser (i.e. Google Chrome, FireFox, etc) try clearing your cache and cookies/browser history
Try the link in incognito mode- be sure all other tabs and browsers are closed
Update browser to most current version, close browser, then restart
Perfect Attendance
Activities Coordinator Corner
Black History Month and National Cultural Diversity Month
National Literacy Month
Learning Coach Corner
Text Opt In
When filling out the opt-in form, please be sure to include all of your students' names and student ID numbers even if you select no for student texting. This allows us to mark your opt-in choices on each of their accounts in our system. Additionally, please be sure to include the phone numbers for each person you are opting in.
If you are opted in and would like to opt OUT out or make any other changes, please contact Tiffany Folsom at tfolsom@oregonva.org.
Connect with ORVA Students/Families
Parent Connect
Student Connect
IMPORTANT:
- Form MUST be filled out by the student's Legal Guardian
- Please do not put gaming handles (Nintendo, Xbox, PS4, app games, etc.) on this form. Any gaming handles found on the form will be removed before info is added to the directory.
- What is shared between students over the phone or email is at the discretion of their Legal Guardians
- The Student Connect Directory will only be accessible to those who have filled out the Student Connect opt in form. Your student will receive a link to this form via their school email.
- To remove your student from the Student Connect Directory, you will need to contact Tiffany Folsom (tfolsom@oregonva.org)
Please note: if you choose to add an email address to the directory, it must be a personal email address and not their school email as students are not able to email each other through their school (oregonva.org) email. Thank you!
NHS and NJHS
Applications are open for National Honor Society and National Junior Honor Society!
Affiliated with the national organizations, ORVA currently has active chapters of National Honor Society and National Junior Honor Society. Both organizations base membership based on the pillars of scholarship, service, leadership and character.
Below are the criteria for membership:
- Enrolled in ORVA for at least 1 semester and in good standing
- GPA 3.0-4.0
- Demonstrate commitment to the 4 pillars through the application process
- 2nd semester of grade 6-grade 8 (NJHS), grade 9-11 (NHS)
Some examples of service projects from the active chapter include school service projects (senior graduation video, teacher appreciation and buddy/mentor program), sewing masks, blankets and other needed items for non-profit organizations, volunteering at local food banks or other community-based organizations near you. Students participate in both individual and group service projects and there is not a requirement to attend in-person events. Completed applications should be submitted by Friday, February 11th. For more information, please contact:
NJHS Adviser Ranee Solmonsson rsolmonsson@oregonva.org
NHS Adviser Margie Paulson mpaulson@oregonva.org
Additional information is also available at:
Interested candidates can fill out information forms here:
NOTE: Copy and paste the links to a browser window. Enter your name and email to complete and sign the forms. You will need to retrieve a code to sign, so check your junk/other folders if you don’t see it in your inbox. Once completed and signed, chapter adviser will automatically be notified. Your email and name will not be shared elsewhere.
Box Tops
Scholastic Books
Orders for February are currently being accepted.
When you use the school’s code below with your order, ORVA earns points with Scholastic. The points will be used to purchase books as incentives and prizes throughout the year. Our school account says MS, but it’s the account for K-12.
Website/ordering link: https://orders.scholastic.com/XQ8XT
If you’re asked for our school code, it’s XQ8XT.
Be sure to choose the ship to home option when you’re ready to order.
Orders will be placed for this month on February 25, which means that orders will ship after that date.
ORVA teacher to contact if you have questions: Tina Lowen, (541) 751-5410, tlowen@oregonva.org
AmazonSmile
How do I shop with AmazonSmile?
How do I activate AmazonSmile in the Amazon Shopping app?
Vector Solutions
VectorSolutions (previously SafeSchools Alert) is our online tip reporting system that allows students, staff and parents to confidentially report safety concerns to our administration 24/7/365 via:
1.Mobile App
2.Text
3.Phone
4.Email
5.Website
NOTE: Vector Alert is for
non-emergencies. For true emergencies, always call 911.
Elementary Spotlight
Hello Wonderful ORVA families,
In 3rd grade we STOP to learn and grow from our mistakes. COLLABORATE to include everyone. And LISTEN to each other for feedback to keep moving towards our best work. We’d love to get to know you more, here are some things about us!
Mrs. Manos
Teaching experience: 5th year teaching, K-4th grade. 2nd year at ORVA in 3rd grade!
Fun facts: Sings opera and worked at Disneyworld
Mr. Fessler
Teaching experience: 6th year teaching, 3rd-8th grade. 2nd year at ORVA in 3rd grade!
Fun facts: Farm raised and loves to fish and golf.
Mrs. Quimby
Teaching experience: 3rd year teaching, 1st grade, SPED and high school. 1st year at ORVA!
Fun facts: Used to be a tap dance teacher and loves camping.
Mrs. Klugh
Teaching experience: 9th year teaching, 2nd-5th grade, reading and SPED. 2nd year at ORVA looped up from 2nd grade to 3rd!
Fun facts: Works at a baseball stadium in the summer and has goats.
Middle School Spotlight
Dear ORVA Middle School Community,
Happy February to our ORVA Middle School Families!
Semester 2 Start
Welcome to a new Semester and Quarter of your student’s middle school career! All regular classes resumed for the second semester on Monday, 2/7/22. Your student’s schedule should be the same times for CCs and the same teachers, with a few exceptions. If your student signed up for an Elective class, these classes will also begin the week of 2/7. Please reach out to your advisor, myself or Emily Borrego, Middle School Dean with any questions.
Black History Month
In February, we celebrate Black History Month to acknowledge, honor, and celebrate the ways in which Black Oregonians and Black Americans have shaped our community and our country's history. While Black History Month is a time to honor Black leaders, culture, and history, our goal is to learn, acknowledge, and celebrate that history all year long.
Black History Month was first created as Black History Week in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson, PhD, a Black scholar who helped bring Black studies to colleges and universities across the nation, as Black history had been excluded and suppressed from the American educational system.
Each year, Black History Month has a different theme. This year's theme is Black Health and Wellness, meant to acknowledge the vast disparities in health outcomes and the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 while also highlighting the resilience and strength of Black history and health.
Here are some family-friendly suggestions for ways to celebrate Black History Month:
Northwest African American Museum Virtual Interactive Storytime (All kids)
Learn more here: https://www.naamnw.org/events/interactive-storytime-2. Join online on Sunday, February 13, at 1 pm on the NAAM YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/user/naamnw
Cascade Festival of African Films Family Fest (Older kids)
Learn more here: https://www.africanfilmfestival.org/festival/films/granma-nineteen-and-the-soviets-secret/. Join online on Saturday, February 26, at 3 pm (you will be required to sign up on Evite to join the film): https://africanfilmfestival.eventive.org/
Communication:
Please keep checking the ORVA Middle School Padlet Information Page for Learning Coaches to access important links in a one-stop-shop format. Please check out our Learning Coach Information Padlet linked here or visit https://tinyurl.com/ORVAMS. As we begin the new semester together, please stay connected to your student’s teachers and advisors and make sure healthy academic habits are incorporated into daily family life this new year.
Warmly,
Caitlin Klenz
ORVA Middle School Principal
High School Spotlight
Hello ORVA Students and Families,
We’ve just finished up semester 1, and we are seeing GROWTH in many areas. We would like to thank all the parents and students who attended and presented during Future Week; This week has been so inspiring. Future week kick-off brought in 169 attendees—Thanks to our Counselor, Michele Anderson. Devang Vyas, an ORVA Parent and Electrical Engineer, presented to 110 attendees about his career in Electrical Engineering and how to get into the field. Basic Personal Finance maxed out class attendance with 299 attendees—thanks, Tauna Tattam! Our Counselor, Renee Beck, hosted PSU and 221 attendees came to hear about their offerings. Meet the Admin had 176 attendees. Grad planning brought in 163 attendees with Renee Beck. 232 attended Options After High School—Thanks Bob Tatum and Carole Anne Sturrock. Chris Alftine visited us and presented—Careers in Medicine. We appreciate the time all our presenters put into Future Week.
February 7th-11th is Counselor Appreciation Week; say thank-you to our counselors here on this Padlet
Goings on at the High School:
Here’s a link to the February Edition of the Student Newsletter
Important Dates:
Star360 Testing Cut-off date: 2/11
NHS Applications Due: 2/11
President’s Day (No School): 2/21
1st Semester Honor Roll (3.5 GPA and higher)
9th Grade
10th Grade
11th Grade
12th Grade
Dual Credit Options
Special Programs Spotlight
Individualized COVID Recovery Services - February 2022
Oregon adopted a new special education rule called Individualized COVID Recovery Services (“recovery services”) -Link to OAR. Recovery services are intended to address the unique impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on students with disabilities who are eligible for special education services. Whether, and to what extent, a student needs recovery services is based on the student’s unique circumstances.
The determination for the need for recovery services is made by the IEP team. The team will review IEP progress, including pre-COVID-19 closures, student participation and progress during remote learning, and progress upon return to school.
The following is what you can expect:
- At the annual IEP meeting, the team will consider the need for Individualized COVID Recovery Services. Families and students can request an IEP team meeting to discuss recovery services at any time; families do not need to wait for the annual IEP meeting.
- The decision about recovery services will be documented on the IEP and a Prior Written Notice. If the team determines that a student needs recovery services the prior notice will outline what services, amount, frequency, and location.
- Additional services that were provided during the Summer 2021 and Fall of 2021 may be considered recovery services.
- Recovery services are individually designed to meet the needs of the student. Examples of services include, but are not limited to:
- Increased SDI or related services provided during the school day
- Services provided prior to the return to in person learning to learn routines & expectations
- Additional services provided during the summer
Students and families continue to be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Our school and teachers will continue to adapt to meet the needs of our students given the current reality. For many students, including some experiencing disabilities, the services the school provides to support all students will be sufficient. Recovery services are intended for students whose individual needs are above and beyond what is offered in the general education program.
If you have any questions about COVID Recovery Services, please contact your student's IEP case manager.
From our School Psychologist
Do's and Don'ts of Testing and School Work
This month I wanted to share a bit of exciting news with you…
We are going to be offering options for state testing this year to be held online! Due to all of the issues/concerns related to the pandemic, this will be a nice option for families and teachers alike! Please keep an eye out for more information on how to sign up for online testing. Here is a recap on the do’s and don’ts of testing and school work:
As a parent and a Learning Coach, here is some information that your teachers would like you to know when getting your student through testing and schoolwork. The first thing I’d like to share is that there are some things that we can help our students with and some things that would be counterproductive. Meaning, some things we cannot help our students with because teachers need to know where your student is at in their learning. This may seem like common knowledge, but often parents are helping in areas where they should just sit back and relax instead. The information in the next section will help you determine when to sit back and when to help.
Get them to their computer if needed but please sit back and relax:
- When your student is taking a quiz (they can often retake this)
- When your student is taking a test
- When your student is taking the Star360, SBAC or state assessments
- If it’s a reading quiz – it’s important to not read it to them. Teachers need to know where their reading struggles are. It wouldn’t be helpful to read to them, though it’s tough to watch them struggle. Just remind them to do their best!
- If your child is in a special program to help them learn and the teacher is trying to obtain a measure of where they are at academically
How/when you can help?
- Ask, “Is this something your teacher expects you to work on alone?” Or “Is this something that measures your growth like a quiz or a test?” or “I cannot help with that. Do your best”
- If the camera is supposed to be on so the teacher can make sure they are only focusing on the test, help them to keep their cameras on at all times!
- Cover up the timer if they get anxiety over time-based activities
- Remind them of strategies they have used that have helped them before
- Try not to let struggles turn into total meltdowns, encourage mental breaks if they appear to be visibly frustrated
- If your student has reached a point to where they do not want to do the assignment because they are struggling too much, please reach out to the teacher. They are there to support you and your student.
- If you have a student who needs consistent redirection, stay nearby but appear to be busy reading, on your computer or? This lets them know you are there to support but they are not getting all of your attention. This will support more independence.
- Use incentives to support their independence in learning
*Do remember that if you help with quizzes or tests where the teacher is trying to obtain information about growth, helping them only confuses the teacher in the times where the student suddenly appears to be struggling. If this happens, your student may not get the help they need, or they might not get into the appropriate group/class/activity for their skill level. Helping them sometimes means, not really helping 😉
See you all next month!
School Calendar
Contact Us
Instagram: @oregonvirtualacademy
TikTok: @oregonvirtualacad
Email: oregonvirtual@oregonva.org
Website: oregonvirtual.org
Location: 400 Virginia Avenue, North Bend, OR, USA
Phone: 541-751-8060
Facebook: http://facebook.com/OregonVirtual
Twitter: @AcademyOregon