NCVA Beacon Herald
August 2022
Our Mission
HOS Message
Dear NCVA Students and Parents,
I am so excited you have chosen to be a part of our school. NC Virtual Academy is entering its eighth year as a public charter school. As a statewide school available to North Carolina students in grades K–12, our unique approach allows us to provide comprehensive curriculum to students tailored by teachers to create an individualized education plan.
Our continued goals for this school year are for students to achieve their highest levels of academic achievement and to build school community. As a member of our school, you will collaborate with a team of knowledgeable and experienced highly qualified North Carolina-certified teachers who will work with you to monitor student progress, attendance, and content mastery while providing professional insight, instruction, and support. NCVA will have in person activities this year such as outings, events, and required state testing.
We look forward to a rewarding school year for all and seeing the school’s success at the end of the year.
Best wishes,
Marcia Simmons, NCVA Head of School
NCVA 2022-2023 Enrollment Update
Due to enrollment limits set by the state of North Carolina, NCVA is currently at capacity for all grade levels. We do not anticipate being able to offer seats to any new students for the remainder of the 2022-23 school year, and therefore, enrollment is now closed. This means that even siblings of current students will not be allowed to enroll at NCVA if a parent wishes for the 2022-2023 year. If you would like to contact your state representatives to advocate that NCVA be allowed to increase enrollment, please check out the information at the links below.
North Carolina General Assembly: https://www.ncleg.gov/findyourlegislators
North Carolina Governor: https://governor.nc.gov/contact/contact-governor-cooper
North Carolina Lieutenant Governor: https://ltgov.nc.gov/contact-0
K12 Support 1-866-512-2273
Trouble Logging in?
- Clear cache and cookies weekly. Click HERE to find out how to use this common troubleshooting trick.
- Power off your computer nightly to allow for automatic system updates.
Important Dates
*See your Class Connect Schedule in the Online School for Virtual Sessions.
- August 18th: Middle & High School Virtual Meet the Teacher/Open House
- August 19th: Elementary School Virtual Meet the Teacher/Open House
- August 22nd: 1st Day of School!
- August 23rd: LC Session: "Building Connections"
- August 24th: LC Session: "Building Connections"
- August 29th-September 2nd: 3rd Grade BOG In-person State Exams (Details e-mailed from testing@ncvacademy.org)
- September 5th: Labor Day Holiday (School Closed)
~Save the Date~
September 16th: Adventure Day/Outings
High School Assesments for students taking English, Math, or Biology:
8/24 English, 8/25 Math, 8/26 Biology
*Please follow your student plan in the Online School.*
What to Expect...
HOW DO I GET STARTED?
- Complete "Online Learning Course" on your student's plan by Friday of the first week.
- Set-up your work space and organize course materials.
- Make contact with your Student Support Advisor.
- Complete any testing or assignments from Teachers.
- Returning Students: Please attend ANY sessions that are listed as REQUIRED on your Class Connect schedule.
- New Students: All sessions will be listed as "REQUIRED."
When a student is not required to be in a session, they should be exploring their courses in the Online School and setting up their work space. New students and 6th graders should also be working to complete their Welcome to Online Learning Course. Please contact your Advisor with any questions. Welcome!
Get Ready for Class!
Newrow for Live Classes!
- Use the Google Chrome browser.
- Close all additional websites, apps, and browser tabs on your computer.
- When you log in to Class Connect, be sure to click "Activate" to allow use of your speaker, camera, and microphone. This will allow you to hear your instructor.
- Conduct a Quick Tech Check to ensure your device(s) are working properly.
- REFRESH your browser if you have difficulty during class.
All set! Your teacher may use a virtual waiting room before time for the session to begin.
*Please bookmark this link for troubleshooting and support as needed throughout the year.
If you are your online classes using Chrome, we recommend installing the Flash Enabler extension which will enable and save Flash settings for your classes. Please refer to Enabling Flash in Chrome for a step-by-step guide to enabling Flash in Chrome.
- Learn more about additional System Requirements as of June 2022.
State Exams for SY 22-23
As a public charter school, NCVA students are required to participate in State mandated testing. These exams are in-person at assigned sites. As you are making advanced plans, be sure to block off the following dates. Specific dates, times, and locations of your student’s exams will be shared with families a month in advance from testing@ncvacademy.org. Please make arrangements to be present and on time. Due to the high number of students across the state that need to test, space at our venues, and DPI testing regulations, there is very limited availability to reschedule.
- BOG (3rd Graders): August 29th – September 2nd
- Check-Ins #1/PreACT (3rd-8th Graders/10th Graders): October 17th-21st
- Check-Ins #2/Fall EOCs & CTEs (3rd-12th Graders): December 12th-16th
- Check-Ins #3/ACT (3rd-8th Graders/11th Graders): March 13th-17th
- EOGs/RtA/EOCs/CTEs/Extend1 (3rd-12th Graders): May 26th – June 9th (except Memorial Day)
Why is it important that my student participate? This was expressed during the Enrollment process and is included in the NCVA Handbook that families signed upon beginning school. All testing dates are indicated on the NCVA Calendar.
*Please read the Family Testing Guide for additional information.*
- Participation in testing is mandated by the State. It provides valuable information to DPI as they norm grade level expectations and make charter renewal decisions.
- Grade Impact: In 3rd Grade, a student may be retained if they do not demonstrate reading proficiency on a state-approved ELA exam. EOCs for High School represent 20% of the student’s grade in the course.
- We could lose our charter to operate if our students do not attend.
- A student may be administratively withdrawn from NCVA for non-participation and may not log attendance hours on days they’re absent from testing.
- Medical emergencies, such as student hospitalization, are evaluated by the State on a case by case basis. Please notify the school in the event of an emergency.
School Resources
NCVA Spirit Store is Coming Soon!
K12 Student ID Cards
*NOTE: Student Identification is required for some in-person testing, specifically the ACT in High School.
NCVA provides additional support to qualifying students
You may be eligible for assistance through the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.
A student is considered homeless if they lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, and may be considered eligible for services if he or she is presently living:
- In temporary shared housing, a shelter, or transitional living program
- At a bus station, park, car, or abandoned building
- Sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason
- Living in motels, hotels, or camping grounds due to the lack of alternative adequate accommodations
- Living in emergency or transitional shelters
- Living in a public or private place not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings
- Living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings
- Migratory children living in the above circumstances
- Unaccompanied youth living in the above circumstances
We are committed to meeting the needs of all children. If you feel your child may qualify, or if you have questions, please contact Paige Adams, Homeless Liaison & Student Resource Coordinator, at padams@ncvacademy.org or at 919-346-0121 ext. 2030.
Stride Serves: Community Service
Million Mile 2022: September 1st-30th
Get ready NCVA! We're back for the 3rd year of Alex's Lemonade Stand Fund's Million Mile. Walk, run, or cycle to support Childhood Cancer research. Monetary donations are OPTIONAL. Everyone is welcome to partipate! Bonus: Families may log time under "P.E." for time spent walking and receive Community Service credit.
Join Team "North Carolina Virtual Academy" at
www.alexslemonade.org/mypage/2966185 today.
- School Mileage Goal: 1,000 miles (Starting September 1st)
- School Fundraising Goal: $1,000.00
Contact Jillian Davenport at jdavenport@ncvacademy.org with questions. Go NCVA!
Community Service Credit:
- LOG your service hours here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/K12Cares
- SHARE your pictures in the LC Community on the K12 App with the hastag #StrideServes!
Socialization
NCVA Clubs SY 22-23
Our school-based clubs will be starting soon at NCVA! Take an early look at our current offerings HERE for SY 22-23 . Registration is now open for most clubs, unless otherwise noted in the S’more. Check back for future updates! Please contact Jillian Davenport at jidavenport@ncvacademy.org with any questions. Have a great school year!
Stride Clubs for K12 Powered Schools
The National Team sponsors Clubs and Challenges for students attending Stride K-12 Powered schools. Activities this year will run through May 23rd and typically start again in September. Check out the Stride K12 Clubs Smore HERE!
Student and Family questions about Stride K12 National Clubs & other National Programming may be directed to clubs@k12.com .
Stride Enrichment Programs
NCVA Family Directory SY 22-23
COMING SOON! Many of you have asked about additional ways to connect with other families in your area. If you choose to opt into the family directory, you can connect with other families in your area with students of the same age. We are excited to offer this, and we hope you take advantage of the opportunity. Be on the lookout for the Family Directory Opt-in in September!
Stride K12 National News
Stride K12 National Newsletter
- National Activities
- Student Challenges
Join the LC Community!
You can access our school’s LC Community from the K12 App by logging in with your Learning Coach credentials and clicking the Community tab at the bottom.
Don’t have the K12 App? Download the K12 App on your iOS or Android device today!
Join us at www.learningcoachlife.com!
K12 Learning Liftoff Newsletter
School News and Updates
Attendance Corner
Keys to Successful Attendance:
(Requirement: 6 hours of attendance per school day)
1. Attend all required LIVE Class Connect Sessions
2. Complete all lessons and assignments due for the day. Ensure students spent enough time working in the course to avoid a system discrepancy (at least 1 hour in MS/HS).
3. Make up any over-due lessons
4. Beginning August 22: Manually log ALL attendance in the Learning Coach (LC) Account of OLS under the Attendance Tab. Please do not enter attendance hours prior to August 22, 2022.
UPDATE Your Contact Information
Please ensure your phone number and e-mail are up to date in the OLS under your LC Account.
- Change of Address: Proof of Residence (utility bill, lease, home owner's statement) is required to update your physical address. Please complete the following link as soon as possible.
School Documents
NCVA Handbook SY 22-23
Welcome families! Please read the 22-23 NCVA Parent/Student Handbook . *Signature link coming soon.
Student Continued Engagement Plan for SY 22-23
SY 22-23 NCVA Annual Health Notification
Per NC State and K12 guidelines, NCVA is required to provide families important immunization and health information annually. This includes updates for SY 22-23. Please review the NCVA Annual Health Notification SY 22-23 closely and save it for future reference.
Be sure to follow-up with your local health care provider or local health department with additional questions as it pertains to your student(s). We wish your family a happy and healthy school year!
Elementary School Updates
Welcome Back to School K-5 Families
Dates to Remember
- August 15th-19th: Kinder Academy
- August 19th: Virtual Open House
- August 22nd: First Day of School
- August 22nd: Grade Level Orientation @ 2:00
- August 22- 24th: Week of WOW
- August 29th- September 2nd: 3rd Grade BOG Testing
We would like to officially invite you to our Kindergarten Camp the week of August 15th. During camp, we will help prepare your student for navigating the virtual world, as well as focus on beginner skills and fun activities. These sessions will show up on your student’s daily plan in the OLS (Online School). Simply have your student click on the session name to join us for a live class.
Tips for Success
- Check your email DAILY - This should be done multiple times a day.
- Always check your class connect schedule in the morning when you log in.
- Attend all "required" class connects. These are mandatory.
- Log those PE hours every week!
- Participate – If you don’t like to talk on the mic, please answer in the chat box or use your polling tools. Let us know you are there and trying. If you will work for us, we will work for YOU!
- Ask questions – Please, please ask questions. We need to know how we can help. For those of you that are shy about asking questions in class, please email us!
- Keep that Tech Support number handy – If you have technical issues, call them! They’re available 24-7. Technical problems are not an excuse for not completing work. The number is 866.512.2273 – put it somewhere you can refer to it easily!
- Save ALL of your passwords and important information somewhere you can find it. You MUST know your NCVA email, your Student ID Number, your Go Formative username and password (for this year, returning students!). Keep them all in one place so that you're not locked out when you have important things to do!
IXL
Students are using IXL and enjoying it. IXL is a supplemental program that can be used for both Reading and Math. Teachers will be using IXL in class to support student learning, but we also ask that you encourage students to log in at home 3 times a week for 20-30 minutes. If you have not received your IXL log-in information, please reach out to your teacher immediately, as your students will not want to miss out on all of the fun! https://www.ixl.com
You can now download the IXL app for Android phones and access the Continuous Diagnostic in the iPad app!
The IXL app makes learning even more immersive and intuitive, with interactive questions, handwriting recognition, and more. Download it today and help students expand their learning!
3rd Grade In-Person BOG Testing
All third grade students are required to take the BOG Test the week of August 30-September 2. Students are required to take this test in person at a testing site. You will be receiving information soon as to where your student's testing site will be.
North Carolina Read to Achieve Legislation (G.S 115C-83.1) law was passed in July 2012. This law states that students in third grade must show reading proficiency at the end of their third-grade year. All third-grade students will be provided with the following opportunities to satisfy the requirements of this legislation. These opportunities are as follows:
· Students may demonstrate proficiency (a score of 3, 4, or 5) on the Grade 3 BOG assessment administered in Fall of 2022.
· Students may demonstrate proficiency (a score of 3, 4, or 5) on the Grade 3 Reading EOG assessment administered in May/June of 2023.
· Students may demonstrate proficiency (a score of 3, 4, or 5) on the Grade 3 Read to Achieve assessment administered in June of 2023. Students will only take this test if they have not satisfied the BOG or EOG requirements.
If you have any questions, please contact your child's homeroom teacher.
Kelly Shanahan
Taylor Romans
Whitney House
Middle School Updates
Mark Your Calendars: Notable Dates
- August 17: LC Success Sessions
- August 18: Virtual MS Meet the Teacher
- August 22: 1st Day of School
- August 24: LC Socialization Session
*See your Class Connect schedule in the Online School for daily schedule*
Tips for Success!
Additional Tips to Keep in Mind
- Check your Schedule & Announcements on Mondays - View your live class connect schedule & assignments every Monday. Checking the announcements in each of your classes also helps set you up for success!
- Know Your Info: SAVE school information in a safe place for easy access. Know your NCVA e-mail address, Your Student ID Number, and passwords for various accounts. Don’t forget to write down the names of your student’s Homeroom Teacher and Advisor in case you need to contact the school.
- Volunteer in class - Raise your hand, write in the chat, or offer to help a classmate by volunteering your thinking. The more you participate and give your best effort, the more you will grow!
- Email your teachers with questions or ask questions in class! - Asking questions helps you learn & complete things correctly, so be sure to ask questions to do everything right the first time!
- Retake quizzes with low grades - Now that you've learned more in your classes, go back to previous quizzes to retake ones that have a retake available. Review the lessons, review your previous quiz attempts, and try again for a higher score! Check out this video that will help you navigate to finding low quiz grades & finding the quiz to retake.
- K12 Customer Support: 1-866-512-2273 SAVE this number in your phone and keep it visible on your refrigerator or in your work area for quick reference. We all need technical assistance from time to time!
Middle School Admin Team
Katie Gomersall
Kristina Rodrigues
High School Updates
Important Date and Updates
Important Dates
August 29 - Live Class Connects Start
August 29 - September 2 - NC EOC Tutorial Sessions
September 5 - No School - Labor Day
September 12 - Afternoon Small Group Sessions Start
September 16 - Outing Day
- The High School day is from 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Per the NCVA Handbook, students are required to attend all live Class Connects marked “REQUIRED” on your daily plan. This includes Small Groups, Beacon Times, Counselor Sessions, and any others listed as such. Attendance and participation are part of your grade.
- In the event of an absence, please contact your course instructor in addition to watching recordings of any missed Class Connects.
- Read your e-mail and Class Announcements daily.
- Reach out to your teachers if you need help in any of your classes. Submit all of your work on time to avoid losing excessive points or earning 0’s.
- HS students that are enrolled in an EOC or CTE course will take check-ins October 17-21 and Nov 14-17, in-person exams between Dec 12-16. These are REQUIRED and are worth 20% of your overall grade. Please block those dates on your calendar. Specific dates, times, and locations of your student’s exams will be shared with families later in the Fall semester. Please make advanced arrangements to be present and on time.
- Reminders about expectations -Participation is required as is daily CC attendance and Small Group attendance if invited.
Stride Career Prep & Success Coaches!
Stride Success Coaches Help You Get Results! Ready to get a jump-start on your career plans or college admissions?
We're excited to provide high school students at Stride K12-powered public schools with exclusive access to professional, experienced career coaches who offer advice on building a strong resume, networking, interviewing, internships, college prep, and more—all at no cost. Find out more about all of their services here.
*NEW* Join the Career Prep Club at NCVA this Fall!
Meet your Leadership Team
Tasha Parnell
High School Academic Administrator
High School Admin Team
Katie Mabe Royal
High School Lead Teacher
High School Counseling Team
Taryn Brown
Nicole Hairston
Erin Farmer
Special Programs Team
Special Programs Team Members
- Stacey Bryant, Academic Administrator - Special Programs
- Shanna Cater, Special Programs Lead Teacher
- Jordan Trogdon, Transition Coordinator
- Casie Copple, English Language Learner Coordinator/Teacher
- Laura Gray Lefcoski, Special Programs Registrar
- Katlin Hasper, Mentor Teacher/Special Education Teacher
- 504 Coordinator
- Mariel Richter, MTSS Coordinator
Special Education Teachers
K-5 - Melanie Miller, Aubrey Franklin, Melissa Daily, Blair Coleman, Ashley Claxton, Dawn Ingram
6-8 - Denise Wall, Chasity Ansley, Katilin Franz, Kate Jayne, Erin Wallace Mejia, Alanna Cates
9-12- Angela Eiland, Katie Eels-Miller, Taylor Wilson, Kim Keaton
OCS - Amber Thutt, Brittani Horner
Adaptive - Bree Lancaster, Madeline West, Connor Justice
Erica Gershman, Brittany Braswell, Michele Adams, Carmeesha Frazier, Mandy Baldwin, Devin Leonard, Glennan Saraceno, Kiante Wallace, Melissa Townsend, Sophia Stephenson
NCVA Student Support Team
Strong Start...Strong Finish!
Welcome to NCVA! We are so excited to have you with us this school year. Our Student Support Team will be hosting the Week of Welcome Sessions (W.O.W.) for both our new and returning familes. We will be working to prepare you for success in our online school environment. During the first few weeks, each family will receive a call from their student's Advisor to ensure you have everything you need to get off to a strong start. Please be on the look out for that communication. Advisors will continue checking in with you throughout the school year, so be sure to keep your contact information up to date in the Online School.
Academic questions related to specific courses will be addressed by your student's teachers. Please do not hesitate to e-mail your instructors should you have additional questions about assignnments. We're wishing all of our families a great school year!
Meet your Student Support Team
Lea King, Student Support Administrator
Amy Dulaney, Student Attendance Specialist (K-5th)
Zara Fucci, Student Attendance Specialist (6th-12th)
Jodi Lewis, Student Resource Coordinator (K-5th)
Paige Adams, Student Resource Coordinator (6th-12th)
Jillian Davenport, Community Engagement Specialist
Whitney Cress, School Counselor (K-5th)
Becca Lynn, School Counselor (6th-8th)
Student Support Advisors :
K-5: Amy Baker, Brittany Carson, Lauren Hedrick, Ashton Johnson, Allison Mosley, Jevonda Perkins, and Katie Szostak
6-8: Charity Anderson, Tiffany Carson, Deanna Goins, Caili Hildreth, Sarah Polanco
9-12: Marah Barrow, Debbie DeLoach, Travis Townsend, and Jennifer Triplett
Elementary School Counselor: Whitney Cress
Hello all! My name is Whitney Cress, and I am the Elementary School Counselor! Please never hesitate to reach out for support! I am looking forward to an amazing year!
Students will see me during our monthly Counselor Corner lessons, where we will focus on a Social Emotional Learning topic based around the 7 Mindsets. I also offer counseling small groups throughout the school year, so be on the lookout for my emails!
Take notice of our student services website packed with a tremendous amount of helpful community, academic, social and emotional resources.
Kindest,
Whitney Cress
919-346-0121 ext. 2113
Middle School Counselor: Becca Lynn
I am here to listen, help, and work with Middle Schoolers and their families during this time of learning and growth. I work with students in a variety of ways. I can provide individual counseling services to foster positive growth and change. I provide small group experiences and full group experiences to provide skills needed for academic and personal success. I also work with parents/guardians, teachers, and staff to ensure the needs of every student are being met.
I look forward to working with you and your student this school year!
Please feel free to reach out at any time!
Thanks!
Becca Lynn
919-346-0121 ext 2287
LC Speaker Series
Please contact Jillian Davenport at jidavenport@ncvacademy.org with any questions regarding Learning Coach programming or the LC Community in the K12 App. Have a great year!
Community Resources
Do you need help connecting with resources in your area? Check out our Student Services Community Resource page with links to a variety of supports available in your area, including resources for food, housing, financial assistance, clothing, childcare, internet assistance, employment, and much more!
Crisis Support:
- Dial 988 if you feel that you are in a mental health crisis, or need support helping someone else in crisis.
- Text support: Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the United States, anytime, about any type of crisis (including COVID19, self harm, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation) and get connected with a trained crisis counselor.
- National Suicide Hotline number is 800-273-TALK (8255), there is also a chat option on their website, https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ .
- As always, call 911 with any life-threatening emergencies, including thoughts or plans of suicide and self-harm.
Learning Coach Central
Let's Get Social!
Please take advantage of opportunities to connect with the K12 and NCVA communities online and social media, via:
K12 App NCVA Learning Coach Community: Learn about the LC Community HERE.
- Access the school and national communities using your LC Credentials
- Find resources and announcements
- Search and send direct messages to other LCs with similar interests.
- BONUS! Your involvement facilites students connections outside of school!
Download the K12 App Today!
If you have not already, take a few moments to review our school on the NCVA Facebook page. Share your experience with others by clicking on the "Review" tab. This is a great way to make friends and connect with other NCVA families.
Directions to Join a Regional Parent Group
Want to connect with other NCVA families near your area? Join an RPG today!
- E-mail the Regional Parent Group where you reside. Find your county on the map.
- Include your Name, County, Student(s)' Name(s), Grade Level(s), and Phone Number.
Region 1 Update Coming Soon for RPG 1!
Region 2 ncvaregion2@gmail.com
Region 3 ncvaregion3@yahoo.com
Region 4 ncvaregion4@gmail.com
Region 5 ncvaregion5@gmail.com
Region 6 ncvaregion6@gmail.com
Region 7/8 ncvaregion7_8@yahoo.com
PLEASE NOTE: The Regional Parent Groups are comprised of Learning Coaches. They do NOT have access to student information. Please contact your student's Homeroom or Content Area Teacher(s) for academic questions.
K12 Customer Support & Videos 1-866-512-2273
https://www.help.k12.com/s/topic/0TO0B000000I2moWAC/technical-support-videos#?tabset-26361=2
- K12 App: Download HERE
- Time Zone Configuration: https://www.help.k12.com/s/article/How-to-Update-the-Time-Zone-in-the-Online-School-and-on-Your-Computer
- Clear Cache and Cookies: https://www.help.k12.com/s/article/Internet-Browsers-Clear-Cache-and-Cookies
Zoom App
HELPING OUR SCHOOL
"Together In Education Program"
Account # 3669
"Tools For Schools"
(Account # 31300)
Contact Information
North Carolina Virtual Academy
4220 NC HWY 55, Suite 130
Durham, NC 27713
Phone: 919-346-0121
Fax: 919-324-6597
Website: http://ncva.k12.com
K12 Customer Support: 1-866-512-2273