OVCA High School Bison Blast
April 2017
In this edition...
State Testing is in Aprill
Upcoming Events
Community Service Project for Military
Enter great contests!
Prom details
COLLEGE CORNER: Find Infomation on preparing for college prep and available scholarships!
Graduation details at the end of the newsletter. Keep scrolling!
Summer Academy Information
Learning Coach Resources
Getting Connected with OVCA families & Booster Club
Teacher Shout Outs
Box Tops for Education
Testing? Are you going to testing?
It is very important that you arrive on time on your testing day. We also recommend that you bring a book to read and a jacket or sweater in case your testing room is a little chilly.
Follow these easy steps to double check your testing schedule
1. Log into: https://www.testingnirvana.com/login/index.php
2. Choose your school in the drop down/scroll down section: Notice we are Oklahoma Virtual Academy/ISOK
3. Enter your email we have on file and your student's last name. if your email we have on file isn’t correct, let your homeroom teacher know!
Once you are logged in, click on Spring Testing 2017.
You’ll see some red writing…just scroll down!
You’ll also see on the left of your student's test schedule:
Please read the testing guide and IF and only IF your student is riding with someone other than a family member they will need the transportation waiver form.
If you are a returning family, please NOTE some locations in certain cities have changed!
McAlester, Glenpool and several others are testing in the same city but the location has changed from years past! When you check your student's tests, there is a map available on that section. Do NOT go to the wrong location! J That will put a damper on the day for you and we will be worried about where you are! I use a site called Mapquest that I can put in my home address and the address I’m going to so I have step by step instructions on how to get there. I like to print things!
Have questions? Please contact your homeroom teacher. They are happy to help!
OVCA High School - Who to contact
OVCA HS – Who to contact – 405.259.9478
9th grade – Lori Egnor ext. 2062
legnor@okvirtual.org
10th grade – Raedean Rafferty ext. 2055
11th grade – Deb Mackey ext. 2056
12th grade – Ms. Mackey or Ms. Rafferty
WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR NEXT YEAR? LET US KNOW TODAY!
Re-Registration for 2017-2018 school year has begun!
All families must log in from the Learning Coach account and select either registering or not registering for next school year. Click here for a step by step guide through the re-registration process.
Please note!
It can take up to 48 hours for our office to process your documents so your status will not automatically say approved. You will need to check back later to see your updated status
Here is a link to the Parent Information Session hosted by our principal, Mr. Pitts.
REMEMBER! It is vital you mark your student so they are not mass withdrawn in May!
For Questions about Re-registration Contact:
OVCA 9-12th 405-259-9478 ext 1003
Here is what's coming up!
April – State Testing for some students (Teachers will be out of the office for several days helping with State Testing)
May 6 - Prom at Wes Watkins Center International Exhibit Hall, Stillwater, OK ***DETAILS BELOW
May 20 - Graduation
May 25 - Re-registration ends for 2017-18 school year
May 25 – Last Day of School!
Congratulations!
Dalton M., an OVCA 10th grader, has been admitted into the American Mensa Society. To be granted membership in this group is quite an honor and we are very proud of Dalton! To qualify, your IQ must rank in the top 2% of the population.
To find out more about Mensa, click here: https://www.mensa.org/
Help us help others! Donations accepted at all testing sites
There are literally hundreds of Oklahoma military members currently or soon to be separated from their families for a deployment. OVCA students are working on a community service project to prepare and send care packages to these soldiers overseas. You have an opportunity to help this project be successful. Each testing site will have a bag or box available to collect donations, The picture shows a list of suggested items, but anything you are willing to give will be utilized and appreciated! Please email chnichols@okvirtual.org if you have any questions. We have over 60 empty boxes ready to be filled with your donations and mailed off!
Show off your poetry!
Student Poetry Contest
American Library of Poetry
Student Poetry Contest
Accepting entries from now through April 30, 2017.
The Student Poetry Contest is open to all students, residing in the USA or Canada, enrolled in grades 3-12
(including home schooled and tutored children)
Each entrant may submit one poem of no more than 20 lines on any subject
and in any style except concrete (shape poems) provided that the poem is the original and individual work of the entrant.
Click here to read the official rules of the contest.
If you have any problem using the form, please email your entry, along with a note explaining the difficulty, to contest@libraryofpoetry.com
Entries are also accepted via standard mail with an entry form attached.
Did someone say PROM?!
OVCA High School Prom
Saturday, May 6, 2017, 07:00 PM
N Washington St & W Hall of Fame Ave, Stillwater, OK 74078
We are excited to announce that the Prom will be hosted at the Wes Watkins Center for International Trade on the OSU Campus in Stillwater, OK.
Our 2017 OVCA Prom is inspired by the YULE BALL from HARRY POTTER
New this year, ticket sales will be available through Eventbrite.com. However, please note that our Prom Event is a PRIVATE EVENT and cannot be located using the search feature on the website. To access the prom ticket and information page, you must use this LINK: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/oklahoma-virtual-charter-academy-2017-prom-early-bird-ticket-sales-tickets-31757537650
The passcode for access to this site is: ovcaprom2017
You will want to purchase your tickets early and SAVE MONEY. Early bird tickets are on sale NOW for $25/ person. But the cost will increase after March 20th to $30/person. Tickets will be sold online thought Eventbrite through 04/21/2017. After this only CASH PURCHASE TICKETS at the door of the event will be available for $40/person. Door sales tickets will only have the roasted chicken option for dinner and there will only be a limited number of door sales dinners available on a first come first served basis.
Attached to this email is a detailed explanation of prom dress code guidelines. These guidelines were compiled from student, faculty, and staff collaboration in our Student Council Meetings. Please note that dress code infractions will not warrant a refund of ticket price. It is the responsibility of all OVCA students and LC’s to be familiar with the dress code policies when selecting attire for the evening.
Prom is open to ALL OVCA students in grades 9-12, who are in Good Standing both behaviorally and academically by 05/01/2017. Good standing means students are earning a MINIMUM of 60% in all courses and do not have any attendance issues that would warrant things like truancy. Please refer to the student handbook for OVCA attendance guidelines.
A student may elect to bring a non-OVCA guest to prom. However, this guest cannot be over the age of 18, unless currently enrolled in a high school program. All guests must have a completed letter from their home school stating that they are in good standing both academically and behaviorally in order to attend OVCA Prom(*letter is attached to this email). All guest letters must be received by OVCA prior to 04/21/2017. Letters may be electronically submitted or mailed to the OVCA office (Attention Jaime Gilleland). All students wishing to bring a non-OVCA guest, must purchase an advanced ticket. NO DOOR SALES WILL BE ALLOWED TO NON-OVCA STUDENTS!!!!! – Guest application is attached to this email
Dinner is included with the cost of prom tickets this year!!!!
Freddie Paul’s Steak House in Stillwater will be catering the plated sit-down dinner which will take place at the beginning of the evening.
We will also have wizard’s chess, quidditch, selfie photo stations throughout the venue and of course, LOTS OF DANCING!!
Cha Ching! Check out these student contests!
Newspapers in Education is offering every Oklahoma student the opportunity to participate in five different student contests for a chance to win $250.00. TEACHERS, if your student wins, YOU WIN $500.00! All student contests listed below are ending at midnight on April 30th, 2017. Every student submission equals an entry into the drawing!
History Day 2017
The 2017 Oklahoma National History Day contest will be May 3–4, 2017 at the Oklahoma History Center. Once you have chosen a historical topic related to the annual theme you will conduct primary and secondary research. ENTRIES ARE DUE APRIL 30, 2017
STUDENTS: Share your History Day Idea with us and both you AND your teacher will be entered to WIN! Click here to share your ideas!
Soaring Oklahoma: Aerospace & Defense
There are over 108,000 jobs currently available in the state of Oklahoma in Aerospace and Defense, it is clear that the industry is growing at a rapid rate! ENTRIES ARE DUE APRIL 30, 2017
STUDENTS: Share your career summary or scavenger hunt results with us and both you AND your teacher will be entered to WIN! Click here to share your summary or results!
Oklahoma Rocks!
Fossils Come Alive!
Becoming a Geodetective—Solving Earth's Mysteries ENTRIES ARE DUE APRIL 30, 2017
STUDENTS: Answer the questions on Activity #1 or Activity #2, submit them and both you AND your teacher will be entered to WIN! Click here to submit your answers!
Fire Prevention 2016
Have some fun while learning about fire safety! ENTRIES ARE DUE APRIL 30, 2017
STUDENTS: Share your comic, news story or video with us and both you AND your teacher will be entered to WIN! Click here to share!
Lung Health 2017
Learn more about lung health and share what you learned!
Mail your entry by April 30, 2017
STUDENTS: Share your comic, poem or rap with us and both you AND your teacher will be entered to WIN! Click here to submit your comic, poem or rap!
COLLEGE CORNER!
Click here: College Corner
Wondering about graduation?
Our 2017 graduation ceremony will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, May 20th, 2017 at the Choctaw High School Performing Arts Center. The Performing Arts Center is located at 14300 NE 10th Street, Choctaw, OK 73020. The building labeled Choctaw High School Performing Arts Center is a separate building from the high school and is located toward the back of the school property.
All graduating seniors need to arrive at 11:00 am in preparation for our 1:00pm ceremony.
>>>> Facility will be closed to student’s/guests until 11:00 am. This will allow for OVCA staff to set up and prepare for your arrival.
More info below! Keep scrolling!
How to Earn Credits for High School Graduation
Grade level promotion is based solely on credits earned.
Credit is NOT awarded if a student’s final grade is below 60% (F). Student has to pass the class each semester to earn the .5 credit that semester.
If student failed course the 1st semester, student will be assigned a Credit Recovery course in that same course the 2nd semester. IE: Student failed 9th grade English Fall semester of 2016-will be assigned a CR course for Spring semester 2017.
All CR courses HAVE to be completed within 6 weeks (February 17th is 1st CR course deadline) and have a passing grade to earn the .5 credit for that course.
Usually, just Unit tests and specific TGAs or labs in Science are due. Follow your teacher’s specifics as outlined in the Course Announcements on your CR Course home page.
Oklahoma High School students have to earn 23 credits to graduate:
0 – 3.5 credits 9th grade
4 – 9.5 credits 10th grade
10 – 16.5 credits 11th grade
17 – 23 credits 12th grade
What are you doing this summer?
Wednesday Workshops for Learning Coaches will return in May!
Learning Coach University
K12 Learning Coach University™ was created to support the Learning Coaches who guide the schooling of their children at home. Online classes provide a clearer understanding of the developmental process of learning as well as effective strategies and resources to use at home to help every child succeed. Click here to view the upcoming sessions.
Motivate 2 Activate
K12 and School at Home Effectively are pleased to offer the Motivate 2 Activate Series for Learning Coaches. Click here to view the sessions.
Click on the topics below to watch previous session from Motivate 2 Activate!
#1 What Motivates Your Student click here for recording
#2 Your Role as a Learning Coach click here for recording
#3 Practice Make Progress click here for recording
#4 Game Plan for Chronic Issues click here for recording
#5 Arguing, Complaining, and Whining click here for recording
#6 Holding Students Accountable click here for recording
#7 Responsibility for School Work cick here for recording
K12 Customer Support
K12 Customer Support https://www.help.k12.com/s/
Wondering what browser you are using?
Click here to find out!
Watch this video on how to check grades and progress.
Click here
Keep your Computer Running Smoothly
Come Join the OVCA Booster Club!
Next Booster Club Meeting will be in May
Below is a recording link for the Booster Club meeting held on February 6th.
Would you like more information about OVCA Booster Club?
Sign up for our email list here
Thank you for supporting OVCA students and families!
Get Connected!
Want to meet other families in your area? Get connected with our Co-Op’s around the state. Click here to sign up for additional information on OVCA Co-Op’s.
OVCA Military CO-OP https://www.facebook.com/groups/385954058264501/
OVCA CO-OP South Central https://www.facebook.com/groups/1426537394234389/OVCA CO-OP Northeast https://www.facebook.com/groups/168538123342038/
OVCA CO-OP North Central https://www.facebook.com/groups/547015578702224/
OVCA CO-OP Tulsa https://www.facebook.com/groups/1396437950590840/
OVCA CO-OP OKC https://www.facebook.com/groups/ovcacoop/
OVCA CO-OP Southwest https://www.facebook.com/groups/678593742152182/
Students and families in the OVCA Military Co-Op were interviewed and photographed recently by the k12 marketing team! They will be featured in future advertising to military families nationwide! Join us today to be a part of what we are doing! Email OVCA's Military Base Site Coordinator at chnichols@okvirtual.org for more information!
Let's show our teachers some love!
Click on the link below and give your teachers a special shout out!
McDonalds Teacher of the Month contest - Make your submissions on Twitter!
McDonalds of Central Oklahoma is proud to announce their sponsorship of the “Teacher of the Month” program beginning Oct. 17.
Every month a teacher will be selected based off of a submission on why they are deserving of this recognition, submissions can be made by anyone.
Submission will be received via Twitter, @McDCentralOK using #McDTeacher.
Winners receive a $100 Gift Card, $25 McDonald’s Arch Card, School Supplies for their classroom and featured on our Twitter page.
Got Box Tops?
OVCA Office
Box Tops- Attention: Sondra Callaway
1160 S. Douglas Blvd.
Midwest City, OK 73130
2017-2018 Academic Calendar will be in your email soon!
OVCA Graduation is May 20, 2017
Our 2017 graduation ceremony will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, May 20th, 2017 at the Choctaw High School Performing Arts Center. The Performing Arts Center is located at 14300 NE 10th Street, Choctaw, OK 73020. The building labeled Choctaw High School Performing Arts Center is a separate building from the high school and is located toward the back of the school property.
All graduating seniors need to arrive at 11:00 am in preparation for our 1:00pm ceremony.
>>>> Facility will be closed to student’s/guests until 11:00 am. This will allow for OVCA staff to set up and prepare for your arrival.
Students wishing to participate in the graduation ceremony are required to purchase the $33.25 Black cap and gown unit. The cap and gown unit may be ordered online any time now through Friday, January 20, 2017. If you wait to order the unit until February or later the price will increase and orders will have to be made through a representative in the Oklahoma City area. *It is not guaranteed that you will receive a cap/gown in time for the ceremony if you wait to purchase one. We encourage you to order early online. All other supplies located on the website are optional.
>>> Do not delay to order after deadline as your cap and gown may not make it to your home by the ceremony. ***You must have a cap/gown to participate in the Graduation Ceremony.
If you have a problem ordering online with Jostens please call them at: 1-800-JOSTENS (1-800-567-8367)
Please note – Students must continue to pass their courses and gain the necessary credits to be eligible for May graduation in addition to attending the required State Testing. Participating in a graduation ceremony does not mean you have officially graduated. All students will need to continue to meet these requirements in order to be eligible to participate in May.
Again, if you have questions regarding your status this should be discussed with your HS Counselor (Counselor's list provided above).
****Honors Graduates/ Valedictorians and Salutatorians: Cumulative grade point average through the fall semester of the senior year will be used to determine all graduation honors. If you have questions you should contact your HS Counselor.
Upon arrival seniors will need to:
1. Check in at the front table.
2. Use the restroom/put on cap and gown.
3. Be prepared to take an individual photo (if desired).
4. Be seated in the auditorium by 12:30 PM in designated section. We will complete a brief walkthrough explaining the ceremony and will need all seniors seated and present at 12:30 PM. It is imperative you remember to bring your cap and gown to the ceremony as they are required to participate.
5. You should remind those you invite to attend that the ceremony does not begin until 1:00 PM. >>>> Only YOU are required to be there early for pre-ceremony sign-in and walk-through. Again, the facility will not open until 11 AM for graduates.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
1. How do I order my cap and gown?
Information has been sent to you via e-mail and will be placed in Bison Tracks. Our vendor is Josten’s. You will order online from their website and it will be sent to the mailing address you provide when ordering. You need to order early to ensure you get it by graduation as it is required to participate in the ceremony. There will be a Josten’s cutoff date regarding ordering to receive by graduation date. >>> Ways to order: Online: www.jostens.com Phone: 1-800-JOSTENS (567-8367) Deadline to order: Friday, January 20, 2017 (Orders placed prior to the deadline will ship to the home by April 8,2017) Do not delay to order after deadline as your cap and gown may not make it to your home by the ceremony. ***You must have a cap/gown to participate in the Graduation Ceremony.
1. Can I decorate the top of my graduation cap?
No, students are not permitted to alter the appearance of their cap or gown.
1. How many people can I invite to the ceremony?
An RSVP survey will be sent to you via e-mail for you to complete around the end of February. Once we receive an estimated number of invites we will determine if a limit must be set. However, we ask that it be 10 or less.
1. May I bring food and/or drink (such as bottled water) to the ceremony or in the theater?
No, the Choctaw Performing Arts Theater has a strict no food/drink policy (including bottled water). You will not be permitted to enter the facility with these items.
1. Will there be a photographer at the ceremony?
Yes, students will be asked to take an individual picture prior to the ceremony.
1. Glitter is NOT allowed inside the PAC center. NO GLITTER!
1. Will students be permitted to throw their caps in the air at the close of the graduation ceremony?
No, the Choctaw Performing Arts Theater has a rule that will not allow us to do so as the caps may get caught in their lighting/ceiling.
Your teachers and families are excited to share in this special day with you. We look forward to seeing you there!
Want to check out previous newsletters?
Bison Blast – March Newsletter HS
Bison Blast – February Newsletter HS
Bison Blast – January Newsletter HS
Bison Blast – December Newsletter HS
Bison Blast – November Newsletter HS
Bison Blast – October Newsletter HS
OVCA High School - September Bison Blast 2016
OVCA High School - Back to School Newsletter 2016