Montgomery Virtual Academy K-5 News
Week of February 7, 2022
A Note from the Dean's Desk
Greetings Montgomery Virtual Academy Voyagers!
Last week the MVA achieved a significant milestone- we released the Virtual Academy application for the 2022-2023 school year! We are excited about the continued opportunities for MCPS students to learn through the Virtual Academy and are already hard at work planning for improvements and enhancements to our program next year! While we are extremely proud of our achievements this year, there is much we still want to do to better serve our students and families. Please see the two related announcements below for more details about FY23 enrollment for current and future students!
We have also expanded our Black History Month lunch bunch offerings! Check out the calendar of events and announcement below for more details!
Finally, with Valentines Day right around the corner, we wanted to give our families an opportunity to send a Happy Heart message to the incredibly hard-working staff in the MVA! See below for details!
Thank you for your ongoing support and engagement on this amazing voyage! Let's make it great week of learning and a great week on purpose!
Mrs. Cassandra Heifetz
Dean
UPCOMING EVENTS
- February 6 & 7: Pike Kitchen MVAPTC Fundraiser
- February 7-11: National School Counseling Week
- February 7: Black History Lunch Bunch- Medicine for the Heart
- February 9: Black History Lunch Bunch- Lillian's Right to Vote
- February 10: Black History Lunch Bunch- Ingenious Inventors 2
- February 10: Middle School Information Parent Night for Current Grade 5 Families from 6:30- 7:30 PM on Zoom (more details coming soon)
- February 11: Black History Lunch Bunch-African American Art Appreciation
- February 14: Black History Lunch Bunch- Grace for President
- February 16 Black History Lunch Bunch- Kids Can Change the World
- February 17: Black History Lunch Bunch- Improvisational Art!
- February 18: Black History Lunch Bunch- 101 Black Women in STEM: Leaders in Black History
- February 21: NO SCHOOL
- February 23: Black History Lunch Bunch: The Story Behind the Snowy Day
- February 24: Black History Lunch Bunch: Be the Change
MONTGOMERY VIRTUAL ACADEMY INFORMATION & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Happy Hearts for MVA Staff!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfD9dCbmoM8a44pVmLof1njRsbuu8k1soCJADD4yr5LbNz_gg/viewform
National School Counseling Week- Feb. 7-11
We encourage parents, guardians, and students to reach out to your MVA counselor or your home school counselors as well, to thank them for all they've done in the past and for partnering with the MVA to support all students, even from afar.
MVA K-2 grades: Nicole Bamberger - nicole_m_bamberger@mcpsmd.org
MVA 3-5 grades: Corinne Whited - corinne_e_whited@mcpsmd.org
Lower School MVA Black History Lunch Bunch Schedule
The staff in the lower school at the MVA are planning a series of optional "lunch bunch" opportunities for students to celebrate Black History Month throughout the month of February.
You can view the calendar of events and access the Zoom links from this calendar (also:
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/13Fbcj1PIc-4FD0sMl5Q_T_0McWnJcj04gWcdh3nZSTg/edit?usp=sharing)Please note, events are still being planned, scheduled and added so check back frequently for new opportunities! Have a question? Email Mrs. Karen Konrad (4th Grade Teacher) at karen_konrad@mcpsmd.org
Middle School Information Night for Current Grade 5 Families
Parent Volunteers
Are you interested in volunteering for the MVA? Any parent who is interested in volunteering in the Virtual Academy, please fill out this Google form, which includes step by step instructions: https://forms.gle/sGxSoVSnjNEyrENy8
Email Jackie DeLucia with any questions Jackie_R_DeLucia@mcpsmd.org
More details and support guides are available at: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/student-leadership/volunteer.aspx
Semester 2 Supplies
Items can be picked up daily between 8 AM and 3:30 PM without an appointment. To make other arrangements for pick-up outside those hours, please email Jackie DeLucia with any questions Jackie_R_DeLucia@mcpsmd.org
MVA Enrollment for the 2022-2023 School Year- ACTION REQUESTED
Students who are currently enrolled in the Montgomery Virtual Academy (MVA) and wish to continue in the MVA in the 2022-2023 school year are not required to re-apply. However, we are asking for current families to please complete the form linked below for each child. In the form, please indicate whether you wish your child to remain in the MVA for the 2022-2023 school year OR plan to have them return to their home school. Families who have already completed the form do not need to re-submit it.
Enrollment in the MVA is intended to be a full year commitment. Please complete this form for each student currently enrolled in the MVA. Responses were requested by Monday, January 17, 2022 but we continue to accept responses. Thank you for taking a few minutes to complete this form.
Montgomery Virtual Academy 2022-2023 Enrollment Commitment
https://forms.gle/P1TvdtdzLXDuxafq8
Questions regarding continuation of enrollment may be sent to MoCoVirtual@mcpsmd.org. Thank you for your cooperation and support!
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!
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.
MCPS RESOURCES FOR VIRTUAL ACADEMY FAMILIES
Free Digital Library Books
HOW TO ACCESS SORA
- Visit: https://soraapp.com/library/montgomerymd
- Login with student MCPS email address and password
Click here for additional directions to use the SORA app
Sora can be accessed via Clever or directly from the link above. The Use SORA app will support families who want to connect the public library to the SORA account.
Destiny Discover Library Catalog
Free Online Resources for MVA Students
All online services can be accessed by students when they log into Clever with their MCPS Google Account.
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.
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).
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.orgWe are so grateful to our partners in Food Services!
Technology Support for Virtual Academy Families
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
COUNSELING CORNER
February Counseling Lessons
Kindergarten's lesson touches the topic of Identifying Feelings. This is an important lesson because children who accurately identify emotions tend to be less aggressive and more accepted by peers, and they tend to have better social skills. Identifying feelings is also an important skill for empathy.
Grades 2 and 4's lesson focuses on Managing Strong Feelings. This is an important topic because children (and adults!) have strong brain and body responses to interpersonal conflicts and other stressors. These responses can include strong emotions that arise quickly. Strong emotions can cause conflicts to escalate. When emotions are intense, it’s hard to think straight and make good decisions. Students may struggle to make good choices when experiencing intense feelings such as anger, sadness, jealousy, anxiety, or even happiness. This lesson helps students demystify what happens inside them when they experience strong emotions. It also lays the groundwork for learning skills to manage the brain’s and body’s reactions to stress and conflict.
Students in grades 1, 3 & 5 will receive asynchronous lessons this month and will participate in live lessons during the Month of March.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact us.
K-2 grades: Nicole Bamberger - nicole_m_bamberger@mcpsmd.org
3-5 grades: Corinne Whited - corinne_e_whited@mcpsmd.org
CaringMatters Grief Support for Parents and Caregivers
CaringMatters is starting a new support group for grieving parents/caregivers titled Parenting While Grieving: Supporting a Child Grieving the Death of a Parent.
This program is a FREE 7-week virtual parenting series for grieving parents who have had their spouse/partner die and grandparents/other adults newly raising grieving children due to the death of the child's parent(s). Space is limited.
Required: Commitment to the seven-week course: 7-8.30pm on Zoom beginning Wednesday March 2nd
During these interactive meetings, participants will explore:
- the impact of the death on children
developmental reactions to the grief process
strategies for dealing with the challenges of parenting while grieving
self-care
We will practice the essential parenting skills of listening, expressing, problem-solving, and setting limits within the context of a grieving family.
For more information and to register please email: Mabiliar@caringmatters.org or call 717-800-1631
At this time the program is offered in English only.
Information Flyer for Parenting while Grieving Workshop Series
Deadline for registering is FEB 18th
MCPS INFORMATION FOR ALL FAMILIES
February, March Parent Academy Schedules Available
The February and March schedules for the MCPS Parent Academy are now available. The Parent Academy TO GO webinars are held virtually on Zoom and cover many topics, including self-care for families, parenting during the pandemic, ACT vs. SAT, communicating with teens, reducing anxiety, supporting LGBTQ students and special education supports. The webinars are recorded for those who cannot attend and wish to watch them at a later time. Visit the Parent Academy website to learn more and register.
Free, On-Demand Online/Virtual Tutoring Available for All Students, K-12
See the MCPS Website for more details:
https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/tutoring.aspx
Access Instructions for Students (Must be logged in with MCPS credentials)
1. Navigate your web browser to: https://clever.com/in/mcpsmd
2. Log in to the MCPS Clever Portal. If prompted, choose Log in with Google.
3. Select the Tutoring Partner app to access the program resources. (FEV Tutor or Tutor Me Education)
Possible Virtual Learning for All MCPS Students on Inclement Weather Days
MCPS will consider a transition to virtual learning on days when schools are closed due to inclement weather for the remainder of the 2021-2022 school year. These are days when the district would otherwise determine that a system closure would be needed for safety reasons. This decision will be made on a case-by-case basis. This Feb. 2 community message has more information: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/publicinfo/community/school-year-2021-2022/Community-Update-20220202-final.html
When schools open on a 2-hour delay, elementary Virtual Academy students should plan to log in at 10:50 AM so that classes can start at 11:00 AM. The lunch/wellness break will still take place as scheduled from 11:35 AM-12:35 PM.
Free English as Second Language Classes for Parents
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.
MONTGOMERY VIRTUAL ACADEMY PARENT TEACHER COUNCIL (MVAPTC) INFO & ANNOUNCEMENTS
The following MVA Parent Council Announcements are being shared as a public information courtesy.
Montgomery Virtual Academy Parent Teacher Council Updates
THIS SUNDAY AND MONDAY: PIKE KITCHEN, ROCKVILLE FUNDRAISER
Sunday, February 6th & Monday, February 7th.
At pick up, tell the restaurant you are participating in the fundraiser and send your receipt to the owner, James Park at 301-922-1585 or email him at jpark@pikekitchen.com.
Address: 1066 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852
Website: https://www.pikekitchen.comNEW: 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
NEW: 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. Contact Jessica for mailing options.
NEW: Teacher Appreciation Wish List: https://www.amazon.com/registries/custom/KW86FXCZ3F5L/guest-view
NEW: Student Directory:
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
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
Upcoming Parent Teacher Council Meetings: 1st Thursday of the Month at 6:30 PM
*March 3, April 7, May 5, June 2 (Board Member Elections)
Helpful MVAPTC Links:
- Donations: https://gofund.me/741e97fa (GoFundMe) & https://mvaptc.square.site (Square)
- 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 (Montgomery County, MD): https://www.facebook.com/groups/530674078014807
- MVAPTC Membership Signup: 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!
Staff Appreciation Flower Bouquet Fundraiser
Please follow the attached link to add a message for your teachers, paraeducators, and other staff members. These messages will be added to a bouquet of unique handmade wood flowers to show each how unique and appreciated they are. We are asking for a donation of at least $2 per message to help us cover the costs of the bouquets. All additional proceeds will be donated to the MVA Parent Teacher Council.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
COVID-19 Vaccinations for Ages 5-11:
https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/covid19/vaccine/children.html
Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center:
https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/gilchrist/
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?
Find us at...
Email: Cassandra.Heifetz@mcpsmd.net
Website: https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/virtualacademy/
Location: 15 West Gude Drive, 2nd Floor, Rockville, MD, USA
Phone: 240-740-6060
Twitter: @MVA_DeanHeifetz