West Virginia Virtual Academy
First Nine Week Wrap Up
Greetings from our Head Of School
I hope this message finds you well. I am thrilled to take this moment to celebrate the incredible success we have achieved over the past nine weeks. It is with great pride and gratitude that I share a few of the remarkable accomplishments that our students, staff, and parents have achieved together.
Our journey through these initial weeks of the academic year has been nothing short of extraordinary. As we reflect on this period, we have witnessed:
Academics: Our students and staff have demonstrated exceptional dedication to their studies and teaching. Their collective commitment to learning and continuous pursuit of knowledge have resulted in measurable academic gains.
Creative Expression: Our club programs have thrived, with hundreds of students participating and proudly showcasing their incredible talents and passions of our students.
Community Engagement: Our School Community has demonstrated its commitment to service and giving back as was evidenced by the school’s participation and fundraising for the Walk-a-thon Anti-Bullying campaign. Students, parents, and staff have united to support this charitable cause, making a meaningful impact in the lives of others.
I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to our talented and dedicated teachers, office staff, and administrative staff for their tireless efforts in guiding our students toward success. Their commitment to fostering a love of learning is evident in the accomplishments we celebrate today.
I would also like to extend my gratitude to our parents and guardians for their unwavering support. Your partnership is vital in the growth and success of our students.
Finally, to our remarkable students, I want to say that your accomplishments are a testament to your hard work, determination, and resilience. You inspire us with your enthusiasm for learning and your unwavering pursuit of excellence.
As we look ahead to the rest of the school year, let us carry this spirit of achievement with us. Together, we will continue to strive for greatness, support one another, and create a nurturing, dynamic community that empowers all to thrive.
Thank you, WVVA community, for your dedication, passion, and commitment to making our school an exceptional place of learning and growth.
Meet Berry the Bear
The students have spoken and selected Berry as the name for WVVA's school mascot. Thank you to Mrs. Estes for coordinating the naming contest and for all students who cast their vote. Watch for more information as we unveil Berry's identity to the larger community.
Celebrating our Students
While WVVA celebrates all of our families, a special shout out to these students for their excellence in the classroom for September.
Classroom Happenings
Learning Coaches of the Quarter
Be in the Know on the LC Community
Join the LC Community HERE and gain access to school information, face to face events, educational opportunities, and connection with other LC!
Please take a moment to complete our 2 questions survey about the LC Community.
WVVA "Adapt-a-Kid"
The "Adapt A Kid" program is in full swing at WVVA. The "Adapt A Kid" mentorship program supports 14 targeted at-risk students with disabilities in jeopardy of not graduating. The "Adapt A Kid" Program provides tutoring, mentorship, agency linkages, and outside support. The program also has the mentor and student work together to explore after-school opportunities and complete a graduation plan for their senior year.
WVVA Launches Partnership with Pierpont
Pierpont Community and Technical College and WVVA have partnered to provide students with the opportunity to earn dual credit towards their high school diploma while earning college credit.
This October, 21 students qualified to participate in the program and began their dual credit journey by completed a one credit course called ROAR 1100. Once this course is successfully completed, students can then enroll in other courses.
To qualify for the dual credit program, students classified as either a sophomore or junior must have a 3.0 GPA or higher and have been with WVVA for at least nine weeks. Two teacher recommendations are also required. Students cannot be taking credit recovery courses at the same time.
When ROAR 1100 is offered again, students will be invited to apply.
Engagli is Coming!
Engagli is the new instructional platform and WVVA was selected as one of the pilot schools. WVVA teachers will be using Engagli throughout the rest of the year. Not every teacher or class will be run in Engagli. What families need to do is log into Class Connects as normal. Please take this time however, to review the documentation on Engagli and begin to familiarize yourself with the platform.
At West Virginia Virtual Academy, we are delighted to introduce the Catch My Breath program, a crucial initiative designed to prevent youth nicotine vaping among our students. Developed by esteemed child health researchers, this evidence-based program equips students with vital skills to resist peer pressure and media influences, empowering them to reject e-cigarettes confidently.
Offered in Health and Physical Education courses at the beginning of the second nine weeks by Brooks Legg, Catch My Breath disrupts the norm of e-cigarette use, enabling students to recognize advertising tactics, resist peer pressure, and establish goals for a vape-free future. These sessions seamlessly integrate into the school day, offering flexibility for various activities and clubs.
By participating, students gain the confidence to resist curiosity, peer pressure, and advertising influence, fostering a healthy attitude toward e-cigarettes. For more details, visit the CATCH Global Foundation website.
Thank you for your support in promoting a vape-free environment for our students; together, we are empowering them to make informed, healthy choices for a vibrant future.
Applications remain open until November 10 for students interested in serving on the Catch My Breath teen advisory board. This will be an excellent community service project for high schooler's digital portfolios.
Golden Horseshoe Testing
The Golden Horseshoe Test is an exciting academic competition for all 8th graders in the state of West Virginia. In 1716, Alexander Spotswood, lieutenant governor of Virginia, led an expedition in an effort to promote the settlement of western Virginia. Upon returning across the mountains, Spotswood presented a golden horseshoe to each member of the party. The Golden Horseshoe program, named after Spotswood's expedition, began in 1929, when noted historian Phil Conley proposed a competition designed to promote appreciation of the Mountain State.
State school superintendent William C. Cook believed that students “should learn more about the State, since they are our future citizens and should be fully prepared for citizenship. They should have a knowledge of the past and present status of the State in order to estimate its future possibilities.”
Two years later, the first Golden Horseshoe test was given, and resulted in the awarding of pins to 87 students from 46 counties. These scholars were dubbed Knights and Ladies of the Golden Horseshoe. This marked the beginning of the Golden Horseshoe program, the longest running of its kind in the United States. Now is your chance to become a part of this prestigious group! Do you have what it takes to be dubbed a Knight or Lady of the Golden Horseshoe too? Last year, WVVA had 2 winners.
The Golden Horseshoe consists of two parts: in-class essay and an in-person multiple choice test. Mrs. Loudin will administer the essay on March 19. Students must attend the multiple choice test in person at one of our 8 testing locations
Registration information will be sent to families in January.
Encourage your 8th graders to study for this test. Mrs. Loudin can provide study materials; however, students may also use this web site for extra practice: https://wvculture.org/quiz-app/
On the Road with WVVA
WVVA faculty have been planning face to face events as a way to continue to build our school community. Events are posted in the LC Community as part of the socialization calendar. Check it out if you have not visited the LC Community yet!
Marshall U Maker Fest
Students explored career opportunities in technical education during this hands on event.
WVU Planetarium
Students enjoyed a private planetarium where they explored the stars and constellations most visible in West Virginia.
Cacapon State Park
Under the guidance of a naturalists, students hiked a gentle trail while studying tress and completing a nature journal.
Students enjoyed a private tour of the state capitol and met 2 WV senators.
From the Office
REMINDER: Don’t forget to turn in any attendance excuses to the office at wvvaattendance@westvaacademy.org or call the office at 304-807-9370 option 3. You can also have the excusing office at which you attended fax the excuse to 304-220-3104.
If you have any questions about your student’s attendance, please contact the office at the email address or phone number above. We will be happy to help you reconcile any attendance concerns.
Weekly Snapshots
LCs receive a weekly snapshot on Wednesdays of their student's progress in classes. If you are not seeing this important piece of communication, check your "other" or "spam" folders. Please use this to discuss your child's progress and determine what, if any, steps need to be taken to improve academic performance.
Get Ready for a Busy 2nd Nine Weeks
The 2nd nine weeks will be full of opportunities for students. Here are a few highlights:
- Zoology Zone field trip in November
- Final Exam week (secondary students) in January
- WVVA Spirit Week (all students) in January
- Young Writers Contest (all students) in February
- Golden Horseshoe Testing (8th grade) in March
West Virginia Virtual Academy
Main Office: 3508 Staunton Ave., Charleston WV 25304
Main Phone: 304-807-9370
Absence Notes: wvvaattendance@westvaacademy.org
Office Email: wvvaoffice@westvaacademy.org