Montgomery Virtual Academy K-5 News
Spring Break Edition: Weeks of April 11 and April 18, 2022
A Note from the Dean's Desk
Greetings Montgomery Virtual Academy Voyagers!
I hope this newsletter finds you and your family enjoying a restful spring break! Spring break provides a well-deserved opportunity to disconnect from the typical "day-to-day" and hopefully presents an opportunity to reconnect with family, friends, and loved ones. Out of respect for this much needed respite, this particular newsletter covers two weeks- the week of April 11 and the week of April 18.
One particular highlight I would like to share with the community is the Virtual Academy's presentation to the Board of Education (BOE) on Thursday, April 7, 2022. Anyone wanting to watch the recording of the BOE meeting can access it from the MCPS website. The Virtual Academy presentation and discussion are over an hour long (about 1:17:30 to 2:28:00.)
https://mcpsmd.new.swagit.com/videos/158239?ts=4654 Also be sure to check out the video linked below highlighting a number of students, staff, and families in the Virtual Academy.
I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge that this month, many of our students and families are observing a number of religious holidays. The Virtual Academy is proud of our diversity and we wish to extend wishes of peace and happiness to those observing Ramadan, Passover, and Easter at this time.
Please do take a few minutes to review the newsletter below for updates on MAP testing, summer school, and so much more!
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
- April 11-18: Spring Break, No School
- April 19: School resumes
- April 27: Administrative Professionals Day
- April 28: Take Your Child to Work Day
- April 25- May 27: MAP Testing (Virtual)
- May 2-6: Teacher Appreciation Week
MONTGOMERY VIRTUAL ACADEMY INFORMATION & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Send a Gratitude Garden to a Staff Member
MAP Testing
Summer School for Virtual Academy Students
This summer, the Montgomery Virtual Academy will offer a virtual summer program for students who are enrolled in the Virtual Academy only. The summer program will provide the opportunity for students to engage in academic and specials courses, and social-emotional learning. The curriculum and program is designed to support students who need additional or repeated instruction in the major work of the previous grade level and/or are currently below grade level in reading and/or math, with an emphasis on foundational skills. This year, MCPS is prioritizing students who would benefit from additional or repeated instruction in the major work of the grade level just completed.
Our program will run from July 6 - July 29, 2022 in the morning for four hours daily.
Please also note that the online registration for summer school in ParentVUE does not apply to the Montgomery Virtual Academy virtual school summer program. Please do not use ParentVUE to express interest in our program. Current Grade 5 students will participate in the Middle School summer school program.
Separate communication regarding summer school interest and enrollment is being sent separately and directly to parent emails.
MVA Technology Survey
There is also an opportunity to indicate interest in a focus group conversation.
Thank you for taking the time to complete this helpful survey!
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.
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
April Classroom Counseling Lessons
This month the counselors will be visiting grades K, 2, & 4 during morning meetings and presenting social-emotional learning lessons to the class.
Kindergarten's lesson is on the topic of Managing Strong Feelings. This lesson teaches students to tune in to internal physical clues and will prepare students to recognize distressing emotions that might require emotion management. Strategies like naming a feeling can help decrease the intensity of the feeling, which can be useful to children when they are upset Grades 2's lesson focuses on Being Assertive. Knowing how to ask for help is an important skill for learning. The students who need the most help may be the least able to ask for it. The ability to communicate assertively not only contributes to academic success, but it is also important for solving problems and standing up for oneself or others. Assertiveness can help children relate well to peers. Grade 4's lesson focuses on Being Assertive. It is important for students to learn the differences between assertive, aggressive, and passive ways of communicating. Aggressive communication causes problems with other students, school staff, and adults in the community. Students can reduce their involvement in aggressive and violent behaviors by using assertive communication skills to stand up for themselves and get a point across without disrespecting others. Students need assertiveness skills to get help in school and to communicate respectfully with adults across a variety of situations. 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
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
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!
Teacher Appreciation Wish List: https://www.amazon.com/registries/custom/KW86FXCZ3F5L/guest-view
Please help us purchase shirts and other items for our wonderful staff.
We need additional shirts to provide one to each staff member for teacher appreciation week. Shirts do not need to be purchased off Amazon. We just need blank shirts to logo.
Montgomery Virtual Academy Shirt Sales and Donations: 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.
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 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
MCPS INFORMATION FOR ALL FAMILIES
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month K-12 Student Poster Art Contest 2022
The Asian Pacific American Student Achievement Action Group (APASAAG) is sponsoring an art contest to commemorate the history, challenges, and contributions of AAPls in the United States in preparation for May, Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month.
Who can submit: Applicants currently enrolled in Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) for the 2021-2022 school year. Only one entry per student is allowed.
What to submit: Original artwork that illustrates significant people, places, or moments in Asian American and Pacific Islander history and/or culture. Artwork must be drawings, paintings, or digital art and needs to be submitted electronically.
Deadline: April 20, 2022
Additional details and the link to the submission form can be found here: AAPI Art Contest Flyer
Questions? Email apasaagmcps@gmail.com
PREKINDERGARTEN/HEAD START REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/dtecps/earlychildhood/prek/
Please note that the Montgomery Virtual Academy does not have a pre-kindergarten or Head Start program.
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)
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