Berrien Springs Virtual Academy
Elementary Newsletter 2020-2021 (269) 473-0500
From the Principal~
Are you excited and ready to begin an exciting new school year? Perhaps you are nervous or experiencing a lot of anxiety around the start of the school year. I want to assure you that we are all in this together and we acknowledge that there is no "right way" to feel during these unprecdented times. At the Virtual Academy, we are hard at work preparing to make this a great Fall startup! We have been getting many phone calls regarding new enrollments and are busy making preparations to accommodate all of our new students. From our staff to your family, we say "Welcome!" and we are looking forward to getting to know each and every one of you!
This year may have a bit of a slow start as we secure technology and all of the materials necessary to get your student up and running successfully. Please be advised that due to COVID-19, this Fall our building will not be a "drop-in" location. In order to enter the building, all families must have an appointment. You will be supported remotely by our teachers. We thank you in advance for your patience as we do our very best to serve you. Only complete the rest of these steps if you are SURE that you will be joining the Virtual Academy for the 2020-2021 school year.
Educationally Yours,
Rachel Stout
Principal, Berrien Springs Virtual Academy
1. Step 1: Creating your account with Lincoln Learning
By completing the form contained in this newsletter, you are indicating that you are committed to a year of remote learning through the Berrien Springs Virtual Academy Elementary Program. This program provides Lincoln Learning curriculum and is supported by highly qualified Berrien Springs teachers. You are agreeing to having weekly communication with your mentor teacher, to attend online training and check in meetings, and to progress monitoring as needed. If you agree to these terms, please complete the form so that we may begin the process of ordering your materials. Your information will not be shared.
Step 2: Get signed up for ELECTIVES!
All Elementary students are required to be registered for a total of 6 courses. Students take 4 core through our online platform and then choose two electives.
Students may sign up for up to 2 Community Based electives. This tutorial video will help you through the process. New Virtual Academy students may sign up between AUGUST 17 and AUGUST 28 the code for registration is FALLFRENZY2020.
If families do NOT wish to sign up for these electives, we can provide Art or Music through Lincoln learning and a Reading course as the two electives. Reading will be facilitated with a Berrien Springs teacher while Art or Music will be an additional course through your online learning platform.
Step 3: Tell us your Schedule
After you have determined your electives, please tell us WHAT you will be taking by completing this form:
Step 4: Complete and sign your Educational Development Plan
As part of the Virtual Academy, every student is required to complete an EDP (Educational Development Plan).
Please click here to open a blank copy.
You may complete the form, sign it, and send it to: teresa.simmons@homeoftheshamrocks.org
We will place a copy in your student's file.
Step 5: While you wait for materials to arrive to your home, please watch these short, helpful videos.
BEFORE we meet on zoom for training, parents are required to watch each of the videos in the link. Our mentor will not show these videos, but will be referring to the content contained in the videos.https://bit.ly/2KWjnp4
Next Steps
- Technology/Paperwork Drive Thru!
We are working hard to have technology/forms ready for the week of September 8.
IF you have forms to turn in (birth certificate, immunizations, proof of residency, transcripts), please have your own copy ready to give to the Virtual Academy. We will not have time to make copies for you. PLEASE NOTE: WE CANNOT ISSUE ANY TECHNOLOGY UNTIL WE GET ALL PAPERWORK COLLECTED.
We will hand out tech and sign forms via a "Drive Through" method according to the following schedule:
Tuesday Sept 8: Last names beginning with A-C: 8 am - 11 am. D-F: 12 pm - 3 pm.
Wednesday Sept 9: Last names beginning with G - I 8 am - 11 am. J-L: 12 pm - 3 pm.
Thursday, Sept 10: Last names beginning with M-O 8 am - 11 am. P-R: 12 pm - 3 pm.
Friday, Sept 11. Last names beginning with S - U 8 am - 11 am. V-Z: 12 pm - 3 pm.