Our theme this year is "Growing Together," and I think that is especially fitting for our school. We sincerely appreciate our returning families who gave us such valuable feedback last year, and we've made some changes that we think will truly benefit our students. We know that we, along with our BVL learners, will continue to to learn, adapt, and grow over the course of this year.

I am so excited to be the Director of Bobcat Virtual Learning this year. I have spent the past sixteen years as an educator in Grand Blanc Community Schools, beginning my career as a high school English and French teacher before moving into administration five years ago. I am also a parent of two young boys - ages six and nine - and I understand how important it is to feel comfortable and confident in your school. I believe strongly in the mission of Grand Blanc Community Schools, that each student be able to actualize his or her unique genius, freely and without fear, and I feel confident that BVL is a key to providing access to this goal for all of our students.

In Bobcat Virtual Learning, we recognize that all students are different, and a typical face-to-face setting may not be appropriate for everyone. We provide a rigorous education and strive to challenge each student to grow into his or her academic and social potential through our virtual platform. Our staff works hard to make sure that our virtual students feel welcomed, connected, and engaged. In partnership with our families at home, we strive to build positive relationships that support student growth.

I hope that you and your students have a wonderful year with Bobcat Virtual Learning for the 21-22 school year!

Allyson Walroth

Bobcat Virtual Learning Director

awalroth@gbcs.org

810-591-6649

Unless otherwise stated, all in-person meetings will take place in our newly renovated BVL Lab.

If you were ever in our lab this year, you will notice a huge change this year. We have re-carpeted, painted, and furnished the lab with brand new flexible furniture. This space will be used by our high school students taking one or two virtual classes, our teachers when they would like to work from the building, and any fully virtual students who need to come in and meet with their virtual teacher or mentor. We are extremely excited about the opportunities our lab has to offer!

Unfortunately, due to a shortage of products, our lab is still under construction. We hope to have the full setup ready within the first couple weeks of school. Keep an eye out for pictures!

We know that many of you have questions about student expectations, accessing resources, and student support, so we will be creating a narrated presentation that we will email out to families next week. In addition, we will be offering a virtual presentation followed by a Q & A on Wednesday, August 25.

Open House Schedule:

• Monday, August 23, 5:00-7:00pm - Grades 6-12 (drop-in format)
• Tuesday, August 24, 5:00-7:00pm - Grades K-5 (drop-in format)
• VIRTUAL: Wednesday, August 25, 5:00-6:00pm - Grades K-5
• VIRTUAL: Wednesday, August 25, 6:00-7:00pm - Grades 6-12
  

The virtual meetings will take place on Zoom. Please use the following login information:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8072191939?pwd=M3JGT3JHQzNpNG8waWdvY25ydjN4dz09

• Meeting ID: 807 219 1939
• Passcode: 385980

Masks are strongly recommended during Open House, but they are not required. If you do not feel comfortable being in this setting, please join us during our virtual session.

You can view your tentative schedule on StudentVUE/ParentVUE, but keep in mind that it the teacher may change. Make sure that you switch your focus to Bobcat Virtual Learning for the 21-22 school year.

• SAT (12th grade): https://forms.gle/R79RGqoWJ7AsGTgS7
• PSAT-NMSQT (10th & 11th grade): https://forms.gle/cVQArqKKBNc9R7TN7
• PSAT 8/9 (9th grade): https://forms.gle/MQVthVajYcTAvmo58

• Photos are due Tuesday, October 26.
• For more information, click this link.
• Plan ahead with your own photographer or use our school photographer, Prestige, for a free 15-minute sitting on site at HS East, and a free yearbook photo.
• To sign up for your session with Prestige, click this link, select school and select session, and then choose from available times on September 11 or 18.
• Check out this list of local photographers you can work with for a senior portrait in their studio space - costs will vary.

In the meantime, we still need your household to fill out and sign the Free and Reduced-Price Meal Application. This information is critical in determining the amount of money that our school receives from a variety of State and Federal supplemental programs like Title I A, At-risk (31a), Title II A, E-Rate, etc.

These supplemental programs have the potential to offer supports and services for our students including, but not limited to:

• Instructional supports (staff, supplies & materials, etc.)
• Non-instructional services (counseling, social work, health services, etc.)
• Professional Learning for staff
• Parent and Community engagement supplies and activities
• Technology

• Pandemic-EBT

We are asking that you please complete and submit it as soon as possible to ensure that additional funding for our school is available to meet the needs of our students. All information on the application submitted is confidential. Without your assistance in completing and returning the attached application, our school cannot maximize the use of available State and Federal funds.

If we can be of any further assistance, please contact us at Grand Blanc Dining Service

(810) 591-6675 or (810) 591-6928.