Montgomery Virtual Academy K-5 News
Week of February 21 2022
A Note from the Dean's Desk
Greetings Montgomery Virtual Academy Voyagers!
This week we will experience a "once in a lifetime" date! 2/22/22!! Not only is it a unique date, it even falls on a Tuesday leading many people to call it "Ultimate Twosday!" It is also a great opportunity to engage your kids in considering other special occurrences that happen rarely! Here's some science-themed ideas to spark your child's curiosity!
When did these last happen? How old will your child be the next time? Why are they periodic and not everyday occurrences? Use these links or the check out the library resources further down in this newsletter (SORA, Destiny, MCPS Online Resources) to engage your child in a little research and discovery!
Thank you for your ongoing support and engagement on this amazing voyage! Let's make it great week of learning and a great week on purpose!
Mrs. Cassandra Heifetz
Dean
UPCOMING EVENTS
- February 21: NO SCHOOL
- February 21 at 11:59 PM: Deadline for parents to opt out of the MCPS Anti-racist audit survey for Grades 4-12 (See below)
- February 22: Black History Lunch Bunch: Heart Healthy Month
- February 23: Black History Lunch Bunch: The Story Behind the Snowy Day
- February 24: Black History Lunch Bunch: Art!
- February 25: Black History Lunch Bunch: The Original Rosa Parks
- February 28: Black History Lunch Bunch: Follow the Drinking Gourd
- March 3: MVAPTC March Meeting
MONTGOMERY VIRTUAL ACADEMY INFORMATION & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Happy Hearts for MVA Staff!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfD9dCbmoM8a44pVmLof1njRsbuu8k1soCJADD4yr5LbNz_gg/viewform
Lower School MVA Black History Lunch Bunch Schedule
The staff in the lower school at the MVA are planning a series of optional "lunch bunch" opportunities for students to celebrate Black History Month throughout the month of February.
You can view the calendar of events and access the Zoom links from this calendar (also:
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/13Fbcj1PIc-4FD0sMl5Q_T_0McWnJcj04gWcdh3nZSTg/edit?usp=sharing)Please note, events are still being planned, scheduled and added so check back frequently for new opportunities! Have a question? Email Mrs. Karen Konrad (4th Grade Teacher) at karen_konrad@mcpsmd.org
Global Screening Process for Gifted and Talented Identification Starting Soon
All parents of Grade 2 students, and select students in Grade 3, and Grade 5 should be receiving a letter in ParentVUE and in the U.S. mail regarding online completion of the Parent Input Form, which asks your opinion about your student’s strengths. The information you share is an important part of the gifted and talented identification process and helps us learn more about your student to plan for their instructional program for the upcoming school year. We value your opinion. Please complete and submit the electronic form as soon as possible. You will need to use your student’s MCPS Google log-in credentials to access the form.
If you are not able to complete the form online, please contact Kim Haden, MVA Lower School Coordinator, at Kimberly_D_Haden@mcpsmd.org to request support with completing and submitting the electronic form.
Middle School Course Requests for Current Grade 5 Students for 2022-2023 in the Montgomery Virtual Academy
We are excited plan for the 2022-2023 school year! As part of the planning process, Grade 5 students returning to the MVA for Grade 6 can select their elective courses for the upcoming school. Please complete the elective course Google Form if you are returning, if you are unsure about returning, or if you think you may not return. Having your course requests on hand will help to appropriately program for each student.
Questions? Please email Dr. Dacia Robertson: dacia.f.robertson@mcpsmd.net.
Helpful Links
2022 -2023 Electives Course Request Form
2022 - 2023 MVA Course Catalog
Parent Volunteers
Are you interested in volunteering for the MVA? Any parent who is interested in volunteering in the Virtual Academy, please fill out this Google form, which includes step by step instructions: https://forms.gle/sGxSoVSnjNEyrENy8
Email Jackie DeLucia with any questions Jackie_R_DeLucia@mcpsmd.org
More details and support guides are available at: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/student-leadership/volunteer.aspx
Semester 2 Supplies
Items can be picked up daily between 8 AM and 3:30 PM without an appointment. To make other arrangements for pick-up outside those hours, please email Jackie DeLucia with any questions Jackie_R_DeLucia@mcpsmd.org
MVA Enrollment for the 2022-2023 School Year- ACTION REQUESTED
Students who are currently enrolled in the Montgomery Virtual Academy (MVA) and wish to continue in the MVA in the 2022-2023 school year are not required to re-apply. However, we are asking for current families to please complete the form linked below for each child. In the form, please indicate whether you wish your child to remain in the MVA for the 2022-2023 school year OR plan to have them return to their home school. Families who have already completed the form do not need to re-submit it.
Enrollment in the MVA is intended to be a full year commitment. Please complete this form for each student currently enrolled in the MVA. Responses were requested by Monday, January 17, 2022 but we continue to need families to respond for each child. Thank you for taking a few minutes to complete this form.
Montgomery Virtual Academy 2022-2023 Enrollment Commitment
https://forms.gle/P1TvdtdzLXDuxafq8
Questions regarding continuation of enrollment may be sent to MoCoVirtual@mcpsmd.org. Thank you for your cooperation and support!
VIRTUAL ACADEMY ACCEPTING NEW APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2022-2023 SCHOOL YEAR
The following message was posted on the MVA Website on February 2, 2022. Please feel free to share and pass it along!
The Montgomery Virtual Academy, a full-time virtual learning program for students in Kindergarten to Grade 12, is now accepting applications for the 2022-2023 school year. Students interested in the program are required to apply for admission and must be approved to participate. (Students currently enrolled in the Virtual Academy do not need to reapply). Applications will be considered on a rolling admissions basis. Application reviews will begin March 1 for initial enrollment and staffing purposes.
The Virtual Academy serves students in a comprehensive, full-time online instructional program. The program will continue to expand its infrastructure and services, innovative instructional approaches and flexible options to access coursework, particularly for high school students.
Admission considerations include:
- For elementary school students: Primarily for students with extenuating circumstances related to health or other reasons that can be mitigated through a virtual learning program.
- For middle and high school students: For students to gain access to innovative courses, flexible scheduling and specialty courses that may not be available in all schools, and for students with extenuating circumstances, including health and other reasons, that can be mitigated through a virtual program.
Applications can be submitted through ParentVUE beginning Feb. 2.
For families needing assistance submitting an application, please call 240-740-6060 or email MoCoVirtual@mcpsmd.org.
For more information, visit these Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) or the Montgomery Virtual Academy website.
Note for Rising Kindergarteners
Students who will be kindergartners in the 2022–2023 school year must register at their home school prior to applying to the Virtual Academy. To receive a student ID number, contact your local neighborhood elementary school to schedule an appointment. Application reviews for kindergarten students will begin May 1.
MCPS RESOURCES FOR VIRTUAL ACADEMY FAMILIES
Free Digital Library Books
HOW TO ACCESS SORA
- Visit: https://soraapp.com/library/montgomerymd
- Login with student MCPS email address and password
Click here for additional directions to use the SORA app
Sora can be accessed via Clever or directly from the link above. The Use SORA app will support families who want to connect the public library to the SORA account.
Destiny Discover Library Catalog
Free Online Resources for MVA Students
All online services can be accessed by students when they log into Clever with their MCPS Google Account.
MEALS
Families can now pre-order meals using the same link each week. (Please see below.) The link will open on Mondays and will close temporarily over the weekend so that the data can be accessed by our Food Services partners. Please note the form is not managed or maintained by the Virtual Academy.
These kits will provide 5 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 7 Suppers and 7 Snacks. These kits will be distributed every Friday from 11:00am - 1:00pm at most locations (see the form for details).
The kits need to be reserved by Friday 12:00 p.m. one week in advance to ensure availability.
Confirmation of order will be sent via email.
Questions regarding meal kits can be sent to the meals drop box:
DFNSMealKitOrders@mcpsmd.orgWe are so grateful to our partners in Food Services!
Technology Support for Virtual Academy Families
If you are having technology issues, please submit an e-ticket by emailing your question or issue to communitytechsupport@mcpsmd.org or submit a ticket via the Community Tech Support portal This account is monitored daily and you will receive email notifications throughout the process.
For helpful support guides and screencasts in English and Spanish, please visit https://montgomery.service-now.com/csm. A support guide for the Community Tech Support portal is available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cczbhEXF7x3TBquSMQGUGsxIcqsm_BtG2KBBi_bA0_0/edit
COUNSELING CORNER
February Counseling Lessons
Kindergarten's lesson touches the topic of Identifying Feelings. This is an important lesson because children who accurately identify emotions tend to be less aggressive and more accepted by peers, and they tend to have better social skills. Identifying feelings is also an important skill for empathy.
Grades 2 and 4's lesson focuses on Managing Strong Feelings. This is an important topic because children (and adults!) have strong brain and body responses to interpersonal conflicts and other stressors. These responses can include strong emotions that arise quickly. Strong emotions can cause conflicts to escalate. When emotions are intense, it’s hard to think straight and make good decisions. Students may struggle to make good choices when experiencing intense feelings such as anger, sadness, jealousy, anxiety, or even happiness. This lesson helps students demystify what happens inside them when they experience strong emotions. It also lays the groundwork for learning skills to manage the brain’s and body’s reactions to stress and conflict.
Students in grades 1, 3 & 5 will receive asynchronous lessons this month and will participate in live lessons during the Month of March.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact us.
K-2 grades: Nicole Bamberger - nicole_m_bamberger@mcpsmd.org
3-5 grades: Corinne Whited - corinne_e_whited@mcpsmd.org
MCPS INFORMATION FOR ALL FAMILIES
MCPS Message to Families Regarding the Antiracist Audit Student Survey
On Feb. 2, 2022, Interim Superintendent Dr. Monifa B. McKnight shared this update on the ongoing work and commitment to address racial and systemic barriers in the school district.
- All students in Grade 4 through Grade 12 will take an age-appropriate, anonymous survey in school between March 1 and March 31, 2022. Each school will decide on their date to administer the survey.
- Any parent or guardian who does not want their child to take the survey should complete this form by 11:59 PM on February 21, 2022.
- Here are some resources to help to better understand this survey:
- The video that all students will see right before they take the survey
- Brief overview of the Antiracist System Audit (also in español / 中文 / français / Português / 한국어 / tiếng Việt / አማርኛ )
- Explanation of what the survey will look like
- Frequently Asked Questions (also in español / 中文 / français / Português / 한국어 / tiếng Việt / አማርኛ)
February, March Parent Academy Schedules Available
The February and March schedules for the MCPS Parent Academy are now available. The Parent Academy TO GO webinars are held virtually on Zoom and cover many topics, including self-care for families, parenting during the pandemic, ACT vs. SAT, communicating with teens, reducing anxiety, supporting LGBTQ students and special education supports. The webinars are recorded for those who cannot attend and wish to watch them at a later time. Visit the Parent Academy website to learn more and register.
Free, On-Demand Online/Virtual Tutoring Available for All Students, K-12
See the MCPS Website for more details:
https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/tutoring.aspx
Access Instructions for Students (Must be logged in with MCPS credentials)
1. Navigate your web browser to: https://clever.com/in/mcpsmd
2. Log in to the MCPS Clever Portal. If prompted, choose Log in with Google.
3. Select the Tutoring Partner app to access the program resources. (FEV Tutor or Tutor Me Education)
MONTGOMERY VIRTUAL ACADEMY PARENT TEACHER COUNCIL (MVAPTC) INFO & ANNOUNCEMENTS
The following MVA Parent Council Announcements are being shared as a public information courtesy.
Montgomery Virtual Academy Parent Teacher Council Updates
Upcoming Parent Teacher Council Meetings: Next Meeting Thursday, March 3rd at 6:30 p.m.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://mcpsmd.zoom.us/j/82444490744?pwd=elRpSkcybmY3TXZ3TzlnamtFSlhOQT09
Meeting ID: 824 4449 0744
Passcode: 092867
One tap mobile
+13017158592,,82444490744# US (Washington DC)
+13126266799,,82444490744# US (Chicago)
Future meetings: 1st Thursday of the Month at 6:30 PM (March 3, April 7, May 5, June 2 - Board Member Elections)
Montgomery Virtual Academy Shirt Sales: https://mvaptc.square.site
Please contact Jessica at parentcouncil@cpjsweb.com with any questions. Pick up in Kensington or can be mailed at an additional cost.
MoCo Delivery Fundraiser (ongoing weekly):
Enjoy delivered food from the Amish Market Yummy Pies & Beiler’s Donuts, Metro Dahaba, Izes Deli, Fresh Baguette and Poolesville Raw Pure Honey! Your purchase will be placed at your door on Saturday morning. Deadline for ordering is Thursday night! Please put "Donation to MCPS VA" in the special requests section. Order at: www.mocodelivery.com
MVAPTC is seeking to partner with the City of Rockville for social and other activities for our students. Please fill out their survey to express interest. You do not have to be a City of Rockville resident to participate. City of Rockville Survey Link for Social/Recreation: https://forms.gle/GZgYtBuV6porbkc47
Teacher Appreciation Wish List: https://www.amazon.com/registries/custom/KW86FXCZ3F5L/guest-view
Please help us purchase shirts and other items for our staff.
Student Directory:
(You will be emailed the directory if you sign up and this will not be publicly shared).
MVAPTC Lower School Family Directory Sign Up - https://forms.gle/c7kwQ8pBRPJM6VTD9
MVAPTC Middle School Family Directory Sign Up - https://forms.gle/kpUAfwsDPbSJNXsZ6
MVAPTC High School Family Directory Sign Up - https://forms.gle/YqfbRyt11E8eAYjp7
Please donate to help pay for the non-profit fees and insurance: https://gofund.me/741e97fa (GoFundMe) & https://mvaptc.square.site (Square)
Helpful MVAPTC Links:
Website: https://vaparentcouncil.godaddysites.com
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=montgomery%20virtual%20academy%20parent%20teacher%20council
Facebook page for unofficial Parent Group called MCPS - Montgomery Virtual Academy Families and Staff (Montgomery County, MD): https://www.facebook.com/groups/530674078014807
MVAPTC Membership Signup (no dues this year): https://forms.gle/ATxuHnUWnvEqVD9Y8
MVAPTC Committee Signup: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1P26ZtfaHo0NR9GSjc2xuzHg7G40AvbsiSfEqhBTJjRw/edit?usp=sharing
Please contact Council President, Jessica at parentcouncil@cpjsweb.com if you’d like to volunteer or have any questions, comments or suggestions. Thank you for your support!
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Utility Assistance from Montgomery County Government:
https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/HHS-Program/Program.aspx?id=SNHS/SNHSUtilityA-p746.html
COVID-19 Vaccinations for Ages 5-11:
https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/covid19/vaccine/children.html
Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center:
https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/gilchrist/
Food Giveaway Events this week:
https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/covid19/get- help/food.html#events
Family And Friends Mental Health Support:
http://namimd.org/family__friend_support
Health Care for the Uninsured (English): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FoOQWe-GVr6ljzHjIxYRcl5VxtdBQCHN/view?usp=sharing
Health Care for the Uninsured (Spanish):
https://drive.google.com/file/d/15Pss-kVuL1IDh7cG1o47PrF0ZWImn1GY/view?
Montgomery County Public Library Programs:
https://mcpl.libnet.info/events?=undefined&r=thismonth&term=Virtual+Program
Find us at...
Email: Cassandra.Heifetz@mcpsmd.net
Website: https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/virtualacademy/
Location: 15 West Gude Drive, 2nd Floor, Rockville, MD, USA
Phone: 240-740-6060
Twitter: @MVA_DeanHeifetz