Montgomery Virtual Academy K-5 News
Week of October 25, 2021
A Note from the Dean's Desk
Greetings Montgomery Virtual Academy Voyagers!
Fall is definitely one of my favorite times of year! I love watching the trees change to yellow, red, and orange and I enjoy savoring the fresh apples and apple cider that are available from the local farms this time of year! Fall also brings some time-honored school traditions such as visiting a pumpkin patch or dressing up on the Friday before Halloween. To ensure that our students get to experience the joy of Fall with their classmates, but also to ensure that we have an inclusive environment and experience for our diverse community in the Virtual Academy, the Lower School (K-5) will offer "Fall Fest" activities to our students on Friday, October 29! Please see details about our first ever Virtual Academy Fall Fest below! You may also be interested in checking some fall fun for the whole family through the Montgomery County Parks!
https://www.montgomeryparks.org/calendar/?v=1
You will also find updates this week regarding parent volunteers, parent teacher conferences, and additional opportunities to pick up student materials.
Thank you for your ongoing support on this amazing voyage! Let's make it great week of learning and a great week on purpose!
Happy Fall Y'all!
Mrs. Cassandra Heifetz
Dean
UPCOMING EVENTS
- October 25-29: Materials pick-up from 8 AM- 4 PM daily- no appointment needed
- October 27: Due date to request a return to in-person learning for MP2
- October 28: Materials pick-up opportunity from 4PM to 6 PM- no appointment needed
- October 29: Meal Distribution at select sites for pre-registered families
- October 29: Fall Fest classroom celebrations
- October 29: Meal Distribution at select sites for pre-registered families
- November 3: Marking Period 1 ends
- November 4: No School for Students- Report Card Preparation
- November 5: First day of Marking Period 2
Fall Fest!
Complete details on timing and activities will be provided by the teachers.
Family-Teacher Conferences
Families will be sent an invitation to sign-up for a conference on Sign-up Genius on November 8.
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.
Looking for a little extra nutrition fun for your child? Check out this Wellness enrichment packet from MCPS Food Services.
We are so grateful to our partners in Food Services!
ACTION ITEMS
Student Materials Pick-up
If you still need to pick up your child's materials, we invite families to come between 8 AM and 4 PM to 15 West Gude Drive. No appointment needed.
Families who need early evening hours may come between 4 PM and 6 PM on Thursday, October 28.
Parent/Guardian & Emergency Contact Information
It is very important that we have current contact information for each parent/guardian. This includes email, phone numbers, and mailing address. After activating your Synergy ParentVUE account, please be sure to review and update this information.
Should you need assistance with accessing your ParentVUE information, please call our office at 240-740-6060 for assistance.
Parents/Guardians - Getting Started with ParentVUE https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ukuv45XQeE3h0LWv8I5rRee5Eo_e7dmlkifpwPZdvy0/edit?usp=sharing
FARMS Applications
All families are encouraged to complete an updated application for Free and Reduced Meals status. Complete it online here! https://www.myschoolapps.com/Application
Request to Return to In-Person Learning for Marking Period 2
As we approach the end of Marking Period 1 that means we are now in the window for families to request to return to in-person learning at their home school or school of assignment to start Marking Period 2. While we hope families will choose to stay with us, we recognize there are many reasons you may want to have your child attend in-person learning. Please note that this will not be the only transfer window this year.
To provide us notice of your intent to transfer and to ensure we can provide a smooth transition for your child, please complete this survey by October 27 so that we can coordinate with the school. https://forms.gle/s32z7Y5iHvTEreKn6
Virtual Academy students who request in person learning by Wednesday, October 27, 2021 will begin at their home schools starting Friday, November 5, 2021.
Requests for transfer after Wednesday, October 27, 2021 may result in a delay for returning to in-person learning.
Following completion of the form, notification emails will be sent to the school and confirmation emails will be sent to you.
FAQ's about Transferring Back to the Home School or School of Assignment
What happens next?
The Virtual Academy staff will review the information in this form and may follow up if there are any additional questions. The Virtual Academy will then notify the school of your request to return your child to in-person learning. The home school will then work to communicate your child's schedule/teachers prior to the start of Marking Period 2.
Do I need to contact the school?
No. The Virtual Academy will assist and will communicate with your home school.
When can my child return to in-person learning?
Families who request in-person learning by Wednesday, October 27, 2021 will be permitted to begin on Friday, November 5, 2021. You can expect to hear from your child's school no later than Thursday, November 4, 2021 with your child's schedule.
Can I return to the Virtual Academy at a later date?
Once families withdraw from the Virtual Academy, we may not be able to re-enroll your child due to limited space and your child may be added to the waitlist.
Who can I contact with questions?
You may contact the Virtual Academy at 240-740-6060 or send an email to:
Steve Orders, Dean: steven_orders@mcpsmd.org
Cassandra Heifetz, Dean: Cassandra_Heifetz@mcpsmd.org
AnneMarie Walker, Registrar: annemarie_walker@mcpsmd.org
Parent Volunteers
There are a few steps to complete before beginning your service as a volunteer in the Virtual Academy.
- Complete the MCPS Volunteers in the Virtual Classroom form. This form serves as an introduction of yourself, your interests and availability in volunteering, and some important reminders about volunteers in schools. (Please note that only volunteers who complete fingerprinting can work with or support students in breakout rooms without a teacher present. See page 3 of the form for details.)
- Complete the mandatory online Recognizing Child Abuse and Neglect Training. This training is required for any volunteer who regularly supports schools, chaperones a field trip, etc. and is available in multiple languages. When the course is completed, a report is created to serve as proof of satisfying the training requirement.
- Contact an administrator, counselor, or your child's teacher and provide the following:
- Your completed MCPS Volunteers in the Virtual Classroom Form and
- Your online course grade sheet that will show 100% for completing the online Recognizing Child Abuse and Neglect Training and an 83.3% for submission of the vaccine attestation (a total of 183.33%).
More details and support guides are available at: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/student-leadership/volunteer.aspx
ATTENDANCE
Now that we through the first weeks of school and we all have a better understanding of the daily routine, please help us ensure your child is logged in for all synchronous classes and remain logged for the full instructional block. If you need help understanding your child's schedule, MVA leaders and your child's teachers are willing to help! Thank you for your support and partnership!
MCPS INFORMATION and RESOURCES
Community Tech Support
Need help resolving a technology issue? For helpful support guides and screencasts in English and Spanish, please visit https://montgomery.service-now.com/csm. Email communitytechsupport@mcpsmd.org or submit a ticket via the Community Tech Support portal for technical issues not resolved by reviewing the guides. A support guide for the portal is available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cczbhEXF7x3TBquSMQGUGsxIcqsm_BtG2KBBi_bA0_0/edit
Families may also call our main office at 240-740-6060 to determine if someone in the office can assist or direct you.
Saturday School
Saturday School provides academic tutoring and instruction with certified teachers in a nurturing and supportive virtual environment. The program is aligned with the Montgomery County Public School (MCPS) curriculum. MCPS students Grades K through 12 may attend after registering for Saturday School for $85 per year ($40 for students who receive FARMS).
- Grades K through 8 focus on reading, language arts and math
- Grades 9 through 12 focus on core subjects (English and math); support for High School Assessment; SAT/ACT support
- College and career readiness is emphasized
Also Offered:
- Robotics
- Coding
- Crash Course to College
- SAT/ACT Prep
Learn more or register at: https://saturdayschool.org/
MCPS Parent Academy To Go Virtual Workshops
https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/parentacademy/workshops.aspx
Reporting Bullying or Harassment
Bullying, harassment (including sexual misconduct and sexual harassment), intimidation, hazing, incidents of hate-bias, and concerning issues involving student gender identity are not tolerated in MCPS. We are committed to ensuring our students feel safe, valued, and respected in our schools. Please see the linked flyer for information on how to report an incident or seek help. https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/uploadedFiles/compliance/Ways%20To%20Report_School%20Flyer(1).pdf
COUNSELOR'S CORNER
Holiday Giving Project of Montgomery County
The Holiday Giving Project (HGP) of Montgomery County has provided Thanksgiving meal and December holiday assistance to families in need for over 30 years. A network of social workers, school counselors, and other human service professionals refer families and individuals in need of assistance. Local non-profits, faith-based organizations, service organizations and other government agencies serve Holiday Giving recipients, as donations are available.
If you and your family are in need and would like to be referred to possibly receive assistance for the Thanksgiving or Winter holiday season, please complete the following Google referral form. The information is required to make a referral to The Holiday Giving Project. You may apply for both Thanksgiving and Winter Holidays.
To be referred for assistance, you must complete and submit this form by FRIDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2021 to be considered for the Thanksgiving services. Forms need to be submitted by November 15th, 2021 to be considered for the Winter Holidays. Please understand that referrals are not guaranteed to receive assistance.
Holiday Giving Referral Request links
ENGLISH: https://forms.gle/2ihPdCeKWVvdAdkr5
ESPAÑOL: https://forms.gle/5Rb1xcfttufSZSV8A
Please contact your child´s counselor at the emails listed below regarding any questions with the referral process.
Grades K - 2 please contact Nicole Bamberger at nicole_m_bamberger@mcpsmd.org
Grades 3 - 5 please contact Corinne Whited at corinne_e_whited@mcpsmd.org
MCPS Mental Health Awareness Week (November 8-13)
All Community Members Invited to Join Virtually
MCPS and the Montgomery County School Psychologists’ Association (MCSPA) are hosting a free virtual event in November to give youth and families the opportunity to hear from mental health experts on issues that are important to them. This weeklong expo features daily themes, dynamic speakers and informational videos, as well as three live events: a Waymaking Special on Student Mental Health, a Careers in Mental Health information session, and a Resource Fair and Q&A session on Saturday, November 13. Sessions are available in multiple languages.
LINK to website:
https://news.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/staff-bulletin/dont-miss-mental-health-awareness-week-nov-8-13/
- Mental Health Awareness Flyer (English)- https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NSyUmaf5dRZeS5Fb6xNZzt5cqFoRBklE/view?usp=sharing
- Mental Health Awareness Flyer (Spanish)-
- https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-6p3WzDgQe7j5Cv7U-oKwEDohEKAqjzc/view?usp=sharing
- Mental Health Awareness Flyer (Vietnamese)- https://drive.google.com/file/d/1n7c5UBXt7m9eT-mi2CC55QRGeB3MX4jj/view?usp=sharing
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
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?
Child Tax Credit Information (English): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fHEKdyK16Bhy3xJtpa18dwQb5amTEd7x/view?usp=sharing
Child Tax Credit Information (Spanish):
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LLObvYjnLCAQIvRHISSRC6dzEZdBYRsz/view?usp=sharing
Find us at...
Email: Cassandra.Heifetz@mcpsmd.net
Website: https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/virtualacademy/
Location: 15 West Gude Drive, Rockville, MD, USA
Phone: 240-740-6060
Twitter: @MVA_DeanHeifetz