VA Weekly Navigator
Your guide to news, updates, and reminders in the Upper VA
(Week of February 22, 2022)
Students & Staff Rock the VA Open Mic!
Last Thursday, we hosted our first MVA Open Mic, with amazing performances from students and staff! We heard student poetry, song performances, and even a hip-hop spoken word performance from one of our teachers, Mr. Feinberg! We look forward to sharing more original poetry, music, and spoken word at the next Open Mic on Thursday, March 17th. If you wish to perform, click here to enter your submission. Even if you're not performing, please mark your calendar for Thursday, March 17 at 12:30, to watch and support your peers!
VA Chautauqua Series #1: History of Sandy Springs
This Wednesday, Feb. 23, we're presenting our first session of the "VA Chautauqua" series! (The term chautauqua encompasses the sharing of ideas and experiences regarding culture, society, and politics that stimulate conversation and questioning.)
This session will be a Zoom event facilitated through Youtube Live and streamed into Advisory classes. We are excited to offer this opportunity to share information about a unique community here in Montgomery County. Ms. Natalie Thomas, our resource counselor, will share a presentation that focuses on the background of Sandy Spring, MD, and why it became one of the first free black settlements in Maryland. The presentation contains a video about the Sandy Spring Slave Museum. Ms. Thomas will focus on the background of the community and highlight the connection to the descendants of the freed people of Sandy Spring. We hope you will encourage your students to join us!
Black History Month Student Slides
Grading and Reporting Reminders
Black History Month Movie Afternoon
This Friday, February 25, at 3:00 p.m., students are invited to gather virtually for a movie watching party! We will share Hidden Figures, based on the true story of the African American female mathematicians who worked at NASA during the Space Race. This virtual event is free -- bring your own popcorn!
ZOOM: https://mcpsmd.zoom.us/j/82321995052?pwd=OElXVndHM2VZTzlmNy9oenA3Mmh3dz09
Meeting ID: 823 2199 5052
Passcode: GoVoyagers
Registration for Next Year -- the season is upon us!
Have you indicated your intention to remain with the Virtual Academy? Please complete this form ASAP if you have not already done so! This data is crucial for planning around staffing and course availability.
VA Applications for next year are now open through March 1. Students who are currently enrolled with the VA and wish to remain in the VA next year do NOT need to reapply.
Students will continue requesting courses for next year between February 14 and February 25.
If you are not yet sure about next year, please register for courses with the VA now; your course selections will be shared with your home school should you choose to return.
Contact Ms. Natalie Thomas, Resource Counselor, for more information Google Voice: Phone number 240-668-4631; natalie_m_thomas@mcpsmd.org
Next meeting is Tuesday, February 22 @ 4:00 pm - Como solicitor ayuda financeria (How to apply for financial aid).
Attendees should register using the bit.ly link in the flyer. The Zoom link for session is accessible via QR code in the flyer.
Student Service Learning Information Presentation
SSL Informational Slide Presentation
If you or your family have additional questions, please contact Dr. Simarjeet Sandhu, our SSL Coordinator, via Outlook: Simarjeet_K_Sandhu@mcpsmd.org.
Virtual Academy Calendar for February 2022
Virtual Academy Accepting New Applications for the 2022-2023 School Year
The following message was posted on the MVA Website on February 2, 2022. Please feel free to share and pass it along! (Students who are currently enrolled do NOT need to complete a new application for next school year.)
The Montgomery Virtual Academy, a full-time virtual learning program for students in Kindergarten to Grade 12, is now accepting applications for the 2022-2023 school year. Students interested in the program are required to apply for admission and must be approved to participate. (Students currently enrolled in the Virtual Academy do not need to reapply). Applications will be considered on a rolling admissions basis. Application reviews will begin March 1 for initial enrollment and staffing purposes.
The Virtual Academy serves students in a comprehensive, full-time online instructional program. The program will continue to expand its infrastructure and services, innovative instructional approaches and flexible options to access coursework, particularly for high school students.
Admission considerations include:
- For elementary school students: Primarily for students with extenuating circumstances related to health or other reasons that can be mitigated through a virtual learning program.
- For middle and high school students: For students to gain access to innovative courses, flexible scheduling and specialty courses that may not be available in all schools, and for students with extenuating circumstances, including health and other reasons, that can be mitigated through a virtual program.
Applications can be submitted through ParentVUE beginning Feb. 2.
For families needing assistance submitting an application, please call 240-740-6060 or email MoCoVirtual@mcpsmd.org.
For more information, visit these Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) or the Montgomery Virtual Academy website.
Note for Rising Kindergarteners
Students who will be kindergartners in the 2022–2023 school year must register at their home school prior to applying to the Virtual Academy. To receive a student ID number, contact your local neighborhood elementary school to schedule an appointment. Application reviews for kindergarten students will begin May 1.
Attendance Questions and Absence Notes
- Hikeyya_A_Falden@mcpsmd.org
- 240-740-6060
Advisory ("Homeroom") Reminders
Every student in the VA is scheduled for Advisory (indicated as "Homeroom" on their schedules).
Advisory meets Mondays-Wednesdays-Fridays. Students are able to:
- connect with peers from their home school
- receive Virtual Academy updates and information
- participate in fun and interesting advisory lessons
It is important for students to log in each Advisory day for learning and attendance.
Contact your advisory teacher for information and to answer questions.
Activating and Utilizing ParentVUE
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
MVA Parent Teacher Council Updates
Upcoming Parent Teacher Council Meetings: Next Meeting Thursday, March 3rd at 6:30 p.m.
(See Zoom login information below.)
Future meetings: 1st Thursday of the Month at 6:30 PM (March 3, April 7, May 5, June 2 - Board Member Elections)
Montgomery Virtual Academy Shirt Sales: https://mvaptc.square.site
Please contact Jessica at parentcouncil@cpjsweb.com with any questions. Pick up in Kensington or can be mailed at an additional cost.
MoCo Delivery Fundraiser (ongoing weekly):
Enjoy delivered food from the Amish Market Yummy Pies & Beiler’s Donuts, Metro Dahaba, Izes Deli, Fresh Baguette and Poolesville Raw Pure Honey! Your purchase will be placed at your door on Saturday morning. Deadline for ordering is Thursday night! Please put "Donation to MCPS VA" in the special requests section. Order at: www.mocodelivery.com
MVAPTC is seeking to partner with the City of Rockville for social and other activities for our students. Please fill out their survey to express interest. You do not have to be a City of Rockville resident to participate. City of Rockville Survey Link for Social/Recreation: https://forms.gle/GZgYtBuV6porbkc47
Teacher Appreciation Wish List: https://www.amazon.com/registries/custom/KW86FXCZ3F5L/guest-view
Please help us purchase shirts and other items for our staff.
Student Directory:
(You will be emailed the directory if you sign up and this will not be publicly shared).
MVAPTC Lower School Family Directory Sign Up - https://forms.gle/c7kwQ8pBRPJM6VTD9
MVAPTC Middle School Family Directory Sign Up - https://forms.gle/kpUAfwsDPbSJNXsZ6
MVAPTC High School Family Directory Sign Up - https://forms.gle/YqfbRyt11E8eAYjp7
Please donate to help pay for the non-profit fees and insurance: https://gofund.me/741e97fa (GoFundMe) & https://mvaptc.square.site (Square)
Helpful MVAPTC Links:
Website: https://vaparentcouncil.godaddysites.com
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=montgomery%20virtual%20academy%20parent%20teacher%20council
Facebook page for unofficial Parent Group called MCPS - Montgomery Virtual Academy Families and Staff (Montgomery County, MD): https://www.facebook.com/groups/530674078014807
MVAPTC Membership Signup (no dues this year): https://forms.gle/ATxuHnUWnvEqVD9Y8
MVAPTC Committee Signup: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1P26ZtfaHo0NR9GSjc2xuzHg7G40AvbsiSfEqhBTJjRw/edit?usp=sharing
Please contact Council President, Jessica at parentcouncil@cpjsweb.com if you’d like to volunteer or have any questions, comments or suggestions. Thank you for your support!
Parent Teacher Council Zoom Meeting Information (Next Meeting: March 3)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://mcpsmd.zoom.us/j/82444490744?pwd=elRpSkcybmY3TXZ3TzlnamtFSlhOQT09
Meeting ID: 824 4449 0744
Passcode: 092867
One tap mobile
+13017158592,,82444490744# US (Washington DC)
+13126266799,,82444490744# US (Chicago)
COVID-19 At-Home Rapid Test Kits for Students
Free English as Second Language Classes for Parents
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.
Bulk Meal Kits for Virtual Academy Families
Families can now pre-order meals using the same link each week. 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.
Virtual Academy Bulk Meal Kits Pre-Order Form
These kits will provide 5 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 7 Suppers and 7 Snacks. These kits will be distributed every Friday from 11:00am - 1:00pm at most locations (see the form for details).
Magruder HS
Clarksburg HS
Damascus ES
Gaithersburg HS
Paint Branch HS
White Oak MS
Parkland MS
Blair HS
Northwest HS
Richard Montgomery HS
Poolesville ES
Walter Johnson HS
The kits need to be reserved by Friday 12:00 p.m. one week in advance to ensure availability.
Confirmation of order will be sent via email.
Questions regarding meal kits can be sent to the meals drop box: DFNSMealKitOrders@mcpsmd.org
We are so grateful to our partners in Food Services!
(Need to type the Pre-Order Form link? Here it is: https://forms.gle/XQHyNJe5kG6fzj6v9)
Technology Support
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
Student Newsletter
Click here to review the updates that we share with students each week in our student newsletter Google Site.
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