Naila Trench-Muhammad, one of our MVA seniors, volunteered to attend the county's Antiracist Audit Summary of Findings Press Release for Students this week. This student meeting, featuring Dr. McKnight, representatives from the county PTSA and the NAACP, and other esteemed guests, preceded the official release/discussion at the Board meeting. The Executive Summary is viewable online here. Naila and I got together to discuss her experience and perspective, distilled in interview form below. [I've paraphrased Naila's responses, checking with her to make sure I represented the spirit of her comments accurately.]

-Steve Orders

Dean, Montgomery Virtual 6-12 Academy

SO: What questions do you have about the findings?

NT-M: One thing I was thinking, and that someone else actually asked, is, why now? Why are we starting this work so late? And Dr. McKnight shared that they really started delving into this in a new way in 2020, with the pandemic and everything else that was happening. So that makes sense... But also, I asked what all of this means for the Virtual Academy students. Because they talked a lot about how they're going to connect with students in all the schools, and come visit and have conversations and circle groups and stuff, but I want to make sure they don't forget about those of us who consider the VA our home school. Our voices are important too, and I want to make sure we're heard and understood, you know?

SO: Of course. We'll need to follow up and make some plans there -- great point, and thanks for representing the Academy. How do you think this will affect the future of MCPS and the experiences of students and families in the near future? In the longer term?

NT-M: So, I've seen this happen before, and I hope it's different this time. Like, a big initiative or a promise to make things better comes out, and you're hopeful, because it sounds like everyone is dedicated to change things... but then nothing really happens. You know, I've watched the experiences of my friends, with discrimination, bullying, miscommunication... and we can do better. But I do have a feeling that it will be different this time, because the county is trying to make sure to speak directly with students, and not overlook or discount our experiences and perspectives. I think we’ll look back at this moment in the near future, and see that things really are different... and I'll be really proud to have been part of that.

SO: What's your personal sense of where we are and where we're going -- what's the most important thing to keep in mind as we move forward?

NT-M: They really focused on relationships, which I think is key. There was a lot of discussion about asking parents for their perspective and support, around new curricula and subjects being explored in classes, and that's really important. They shared that parents were more concerned with the outcome than the subject matter -- like, what is the impact of learning about the real history. And that touched a nerve for me, because I've experienced that -- we touch on a subject like slavery or racism, but then we kind of bounce back off of it, you know? Like we touch it, but bounce off. I don't know how to explain it, but it feels like teachers need to be more comfortable to go deeper, and to really talk about the reality, not just glance off the surface so they can say it's been addressed or covered. You know?

Like, in eighth grade I had this one teacher -- a black woman -- who really got into things, and I felt like, wow, she hears us, and she's talking to us like real people, with real perspectives and feelings about this stuff, because it's hard... but then the next year, it was back to just kind of covering things, and that felt disrespectful. It felt like a loss.

And I know nobody wants to do it wrong, and it's hard... but it's also important to keep it real, right? Like, we have real feelings about this history, and about where we are right now, and the best thing -- the most important thing -- is to let us share those feelings and understand our own reactions to it all. I don't know, maybe teachers need to do more research, like beyond what's covered in the curriculum, so they can give us a sense of all the underlying stuff that maybe can't be covered, so then we can follow up on our own if we want, to learn more? I don't know, it's all hard to do, but it's so important.

Please click HERE for the overall MVA calendar for October.

The Montgomery Virtual Academy’s World Languages Department has a new website!

MVA language learners and anyone interested in American Sign Language, French, and Spanish can access a rich database of digital resources. Fostering our MVA vision for an innovative, personalized virtual learning community, this website enables students to engage with the MCPS World language curriculum outside of the “traditional” modes.

Students will receive up-to-date announcements on all the happenings in our department and ways they can engage with their peers in the virtual or in-person community. The website has over 30 web pages, a growing database of videos, and a plethora of stock images to engage our Gen-Z learners.

Please watch the following promo video and access the website.

The Virtual Academy has launched the Inspiring Person of the Week Campaign. The campaign is designed to elevate the diverse people who have contributed their knowledge and talents to the United States.

Students can earn 2 SSL hours by submitting a slide to the "Inspiring Person of the Week" committee. Student submissions must have the student's name and MCPS ID number, a title, a summary, a picture of the inspiring person, and links to additional information about the inspiring person.

Students can email their slides or Canva poster and reflections to Mr. Henrique Vissotto: henrique_vissotto@mcpsmd.org. Because this is a school-hosted SSL opportunity, we will keep a log of the students who submit posters along with their reflections.

Here is this week’s Inspiring Person of the Week...

Research indicates that meaningful personal engagement with their teachers and peers is one of the most important predictors of student learning and achievement.

As a result of a review of the research, the Montgomery Virtual Academy (MVA) presents the following revisions to its policies and expectations around student engagement, participation, and attendance for the 2022-2023 school year and beyond.

1. All students are expected to appear on camera for the majority of every class
2. Students should actively demonstrate engagement throughout each lesson.
   
3. Students who demonstrate no engagement for the entire class period may be marked “Absent” for that class period.
   
4. The MVA continues to expand opportunities for students to engage meaningfully with teachers, staff, and each other outside of the classroom.
   

For more detailed information on these expectations, please see this document. Thank you for your support and encouragement as we work together to connect students with their teachers and each other!

Virtual cafe is held from 11:45 to 12:30 each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. If you are interested in being a student leader to help host, please let us know. Clubs are starting this week, see your sponsor for more information!

Did you know we have a separate newsletter for students, to help them keep up with all the important events and offerings in various areas of the MVA? Use this link to visit, and make sure your children are getting our updates each week.

Each school year, families are asked to communicate updates about contact information, health, directory withholdings, emergency contacts and more. These updates are now processed in ParentVUE using Online Registration to access MCPS Form 281-13 “Annual Notice for Directory Information and Student Privacy.”

Using this form, parents/guardians may also indicate that the student does not want to be recorded during virtual classroom sessions for future viewing by students in the same class. Completing this form does not exclude a child from having a camera on during non-recorded instruction. Parents/guardians who choose to complete this form should do so by September 12, 2022. Please use the following guide to support you in this process: https://montgomery.service-now.com/csm?id=kb_article_view&sysparm_article=KB0010232

Use this link or click the logo to the left to access a full list of Virtual Academy teachers with their Zoom links and Outlook email addresses. If you have general questions, or you need a live human to assist you, please call us at 240-740-6060 during school hours.

Students need 75 student service learning (SSL) hours to graduate from Maryland public schools. Every month, Dr. Simarjeet Sandhu, the Virtual Academy SSL Coordinator, provides a listing of SSL opportunities that are virtual and in-person. Click on the link and get your child involved in these fun and rewarding service opportunities.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1764q8pQb_cmLSrj8X05ZV_eHaPc0skgSlxdAy2HoBAc/edit?usp=sharing

ASIRT Road Safety PSA Contest

Deadline: October 21, 2022 - The Association for Safe International Road Travel (ASIRT) and the Montgomery County Regional Student Government Association are hosting a Public Service Announcement (PSA) competition for middle school and high school students centered on road safety and how to keep yourself and others safe on the roads. Participants who submit a PSA that meets the competition requirements will earn 10 SSL hours and have a chance to win prizes. To learn more, please visit this link: https://montgomerycountymd.galaxydigital.com/need/detail/?need_id=730249

MoCo Board of Elections Future Vote

The Montgomery County Board of Elections Future Vote Student Election Worker Program provides high school students with an exciting opportunity to serve as election workers. Depending on the number of days served, volunteers may choose to earn up to 65 Student Service Learning (SSL) hours or up to $630 stipend for their service along with a great hands-on introduction to the democratic process. Students with bilingual skills in Spanish and other languages encouraged to apply.

Requirements

Interested students must meet the following requirements to participate as a student election worker:

• Must be at least 16 years of age by the time of registration

• U.S. Citizen of the United States

• Registered to vote in Maryland

• Must have parental consent for workers under 18 years old

Info: High School Poll Workers - Montgomery County MD

Video: https://youtu.be/IEFI7PlYEds

To apply: Board of Elections (montgomerycountymd.gov)

Questions: Email election.judge@montgomerycountymd.gov or 240-777-8533

NPR News: The midterm elections need workers. Teens, veterans and lawyers are stepping up | MPR News

Deadline: Tuesday, October 18, 2022

MORE OPPORTUNITIES:

Latino Student Fund Tutoring

Four Seasons World Dance Auditions

Arise & Flourish:

Students will need to visit the Montgomery County Volunteer Center (https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/volunteercenter/) and in the red box “Find a Volunteer Opportunity”, type in Arise and Flourish. Students will find the volunteer opportunity for the cycle of addiction video review project. This SSL opportunity has been approved by the MCPS SSL department. Please let the students know NOT to use their MCPS email address as we will not be able to respond to them.

Once students respond for the volunteer opportunity on the site, we will send the student/parent permission slip and detailed volunteer information. Please make sure the students do NOT use their MCPS email address as we will not be able to respond to them. Students will watch two video presentations provided by our organization. One video is our speakers who are people in recovery who share their personal experience. The second video is the presentation on the cycle of addiction which has information on how addiction happens.

Students have the ability to earn the following for the quality completion of this project:

1) Earn 1 SSL hour for watching one speaker video and the video for the cycle of addiction and completing one paper or artwork or;

2) Earn up to 4 SSL hours for watching up to 4 speaker videos along with the one video for the cycle of addiction and completing 4 papers or 4 artworks.

Students can watch anywhere from 1 - 4 speaker videos and the video for the cycle of addiction and completing one paper or artwork for EACH speaker video watched.

Project Linus

Project Linus is a national organization with chapters across the country (www.projectlinus.org). Their Montgomery County Maryland chapter works with partner organizations like Holy Cross Hospital, Children's Hospital, A Wider Circle, and the Montgomery County Department of Social Services, to distribute blankets to children who are in the hospital, homeless, in foster care, in shelters, and in other situations where just a small comfort can make a major difference. All these blankets are made by volunteers. See our previous newsletters (linked below) for more information.

You can now access many important resources for Student Service Learning (SSL) at our new website: ​​https://sites.google.com/mcpsmd.net/mva-ssl-opportunities/home.

Here you'll find...

• Contact information for our SSL Coordinator (Dr. Simarjeet Sandhu) and our counseling team
• An introductory video about SLL hours and how to complete them
• The official submission form for reporting hours
• Timely updates on service opportunities within and outside of the Virtual Academy
• and more!
• 
  

• Navigate to https://md-mcps-psv.edupoint.com/PXP2_Login.aspx.
• Select "I am a parent" or "I am a student."
• Enter your User Name and Password, then click "Login."
• Click "Course History" from the left-hand navigation.
• The Course History page shows the student's graduation progress, test requirements, and SLL hours earned. (Students need 75 hours for graduation.)
• Toggle on "Detail" to see full Service Learning details.

You can also stay up to date with SSL reminders, dates, and deadlines using this resource, and. contact Dr. Sandhu with any questions!

Virtual Academy students in grades 6-12 who need to speak with a counselor can visit the open Counseling Zoom session every weekday using this link!

Office hours are:

• Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 8:00 - 11:00 a.m.
• Tuesdays and Thursdays 11:35 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Students and families can also reach out to their counselor using this resource or consulting the list below (alphabetical by last name). Please note that during these first few weeks of the year, all counselors are inundated with schedule requests and questions -- thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to serve the needs of our 1,800 students and families! (Click the image of the list below for a web browser version, for easier viewing.)

Please use this link to access important information about connecting with school counselors.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/15JPCfPdlYMinomSC-JsT_F6kEHvoHABUk7oOMG3_qF0/edit?usp=sharing

Families of students who may qualify for free or reduced-price meals can now apply for assistance for school meals. Eligibility is based on family size and gross income. Students in Maryland who qualify for reduced-price meals will receive free breakfast and lunch meals.
Apply here. Learn more about the program.

If you have any questions about your child's attendance, or if you need to report an excused absence, please contact our Attendance Secretary, Ms. Hikeyya Falden:

• Hikeyya_A_Falden@mcpsmd.org
• 240-740-6060

Activate Your ParentVue Account

This important tool will provide near real-time access to information on assignments and scores, attendance, class schedules, transcripts, graduation status, and more. You may access ParentVUE online, but for the best mobile experience, we encourage you to download the ParentVUE App from the Google Play Store or Apple Store, as this app will replace the current myMCPS mobile application.

Contact Your Child's Administrator or Counselor for your activation letter

ParentVue Directions

Log in to ParentVue

In collaboration with MCPS, the Literacy Council of Montgomery County (LCMC) is offering free English as a Second Language (ESL) classes for MCPS parents. The classes will be held virtually and there will be options for all levels of English speakers. They are available to any MCPS parent for whom English is not their first language.

Please see this flyer for details:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CWxRzof4pPS95Fi7SjEadPgf3_w39orL/view?usp=sharing

Parents can complete this Interest form to receive a placement test.

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

When you submit your SSL forms, it’s really important that you complete all sections properly, so the form does not get returned to you. Check out this video from our SSL committee that demonstrates how to complete the SSL form in its entirety.

Thank you, Ms. Marks, for the helpful video!

https://www.loom.com/share/a9aafe11b7c7475caa166006528bf823

The Montgomery County government has received grant funding to provide a computer to residents who do not have one. All you need is a valid Montgomery County library card and a photo ID to register. Click here for more information: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/obp/computer-for-you.html

You can now easily review previous publications of this year's Weekly Navigators online:

SEMESTER ONE

• Week of October 17, 2022
• Week of October 10, 2022
• Week of October 3, 2022
• Week of September 26, 2022
• Week of September 19, 2022
• Week of September 11, 2022
• Week of September 5, 2022