FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK
OVCA High School ~ October 23rd, 2020
Hello families!
We have had a great first quarter with some new faces and the implementation of NewRow. While it does take patience to learn a new platform for both students and teachers, we are very excited about the opportunity to see faces on the screen!
Interims in USA Test Prep were due last week. Mrs. Bryant and course teachers are emailing students who are missing tests. We appreciate your attention in getting those done this week. We will be going through data to better target areas where students need more support.
Finally, Parent-Teacher Conferences are coming up in a couple of weeks (see dates and times below). Teachers will have open drop-in time for all sessions with targeted times scheduled on Friday. We love connecting with our families, so we hope you can make it! However, you are always welcome to call or email anytime.
Upcoming Dates:
Mon 11/2 & Thurs 11/5 6-8pm, Fri 11/6 8am-noon Parent-Teacher Conferences! Links on your CC schedule & will be sent out the week before
11/6 No School
11/25-11/27 Thanksgiving Break
Mrs. Allison Miller
OVCA High School Principal
How to talk to your kids about bullying
By Joy A. Hermansen, M.ED., CPS
Certified Prevention Specialist
Bullying has become a public health epidemic affecting 1 out of 7 K-12 students who are bullies or victims of bullying. In the United States that equals more than 2 million bullies and 2.7 million victims of bullying in our schools.
Studies indicate that bullying peaks during the middle school years because it is one of the most difficult transitional times for students.
Here is a great resource from Pacer’s National Bullying Prevention Center geared toward this vulnerable age. It is written directly to the student regarding prevention in real-life terms.
As school begins, use this resource as a talking point to discuss bullying and what students can realistically do about it. The guide is designed from the students’ perspective and uses best practices in effective bullying prevention.
Click here for the resource guide to 101 Basics of Bullying for Students in Middle School and High School.
For more information please visit our OSDE website here or email me.
Check out OVCA Clubs!
OVCA High School Students of the Month - October 2020
9th Grade Student of the Month
Trayden W.
Notable achievements:
- Excelling in Algebra 1, Skills for Health, US Government and Politics
- Key and valued classmate in live sessions
- Fisherman and Sci-Fi movie expert
What the teachers are saying:
- “Trayden continue to excel despite difficult circumstances. I have been so impressed with his maturity and continue dedication to school and his desire to go to college and become a doctor! Way to go, Trayden.”
- “After overcoming a lot of recent tragedy, he's coming to just about every office hour and is working hard, contributing, and staying positive.”
- “T stays strong through the end of class and beyond. He can be counted on to come to CCs and make the class better.”
About Trayden:
In a month where the school celebrates 100% accountability, Trayden has pushed himself and his classmates forward in the most positive and inspiring ways. His consistent attendance and willingness to ask questions certainly help the cause. Teachers have been continually impressed by his enthusiasm and determination. He also attributes some of the energy to his classes, particularly math: “I have enjoyed a lot this year, including math games with Ms. Parker.”
More than anything else, what drives him come from one special source: his mom. Trayden explains, “I would like to add that what gives me my motivation is my mom. She just passed away in July. It hasn’t been easy, but I am trying to make her proud, I guess.” In staying motivated as much as he has, he’s already won the admiration of the high school staff.
10th Grade Student of the Month
Jazmin U.
Notable achievements:
- Excelling in World History, Image Design and Editing, Personal Finance
- Courageous contributor and discussion leader in CCs
- Dual Threat – Editor and Singer
What the teachers are saying:
- She attends all CCs and actively participates. While she doesn't have much confidence in science, she does not hesitate to provide answers (which, more times than not, they are correct).
- Jazmin strives to do well and wants to learn as much as she can. It’s very clear.
- Jazmin’s sharpness is appreciated when covering content, but it is her vibrant personality that helps enliven the classroom.
About Jazmin:
Jazmin has had a tremendous first quarter of the school year. Her ability to stay responsible—coming to help sessions despite already achieving at a high level—exudes the “100% Accountability” mindset and has helped her quickly get off to a great start. Her positive presence in the classroom is boosted by her thoughtfulness and her energetic demeanor. In turn, she appreciates the energy she gets back. “I am enjoying the teachers and the people who run this. It seems like a lot is done behind the scenes, especially with all the technical issues. I enjoy how you guys are helping us through it all!”
When not editing, singing, or dancing, Jazmin volunteers and serves the community with her learning coach each Friday. Her service to her community shows she sees a much bigger picture, which isn’t a surprise to her teachers or classmates. Beyond this year, she sees the following big picture: “Graduate with good grades, Most preferably on the principal's honor roll. I'm working on my grades and trying to practice for the ACT because I want to get away from student loans as much as possible. I hope to go to college for psychology if that's God's plan for me.”
11th Grade Student of the Month
Alexander H.
Notable achievements:
- Excelling in AP US History, American Literature, and Chemistry
- Classroom leader in an Advanced Placement course
- 2019 Oklahoma History Scholarship Competition winner
What the teachers are saying:
- “Alex is an exemplary student who shows leadership in my live classes.”
- “Alex has done a remarkable job of completing all of his work in AP US History. He is very advanced academically and has great work ethic.”
- “He is a phenomenal scholar with a penchant for both curiosity and follow-through.”
About Alexander:
Alexander is off to another superb start at OVCA and deservedly won this month’s award to add to his growing list. He does not look to the past, however, and is constantly seeking out new knowledge. He states, “I love the support from the teachers, especially how quick they are to answer my questions. Responding back within the hour, helping me get answers from questions about some things about the course in question.” He also appreciates “the Class Connects and how everyone can be involved, and we are encouraged to be involved and participate.” He adds, “It is good to question, question how things work, to be curious. If man was not curious, we wouldn't be where we are today."
As he looks to the future through his academics (AP courses and prestigious scholarships), he also looks at life beyond the classroom. Building to something big through architectural engineering, helping others and identifying illnesses as a doctor, and studying and fixing cars as an automobile mechanic all remain on Alexander’s radar. No matter which direction he goes, though, he will move forward. He gives us this advice: “Never give up, once you set your priority, work towards it. Never stop until you reach that goal."
12th Grade Student of the Month
Reggie L.
Notable achievements:
- Excelling in Chemistry, Fine Art, Pre-Calculus
- Excelling in concurrent classes
- Top contributor in classes
What the teachers are saying:
- “Reggie is new to OVCA, but she has taken the change and responsibility by storm!”
- “Reggie is an excellent student, stays on top of her school work, reaches out when she needs help, so pleasant during all interactions, etc. I could go on, but she's great!
- “She has been incredibly proactive instead of reactive in learning the ins and outs of OVCA. She’s been on top because of it.”
About Reggie:
While this is Reggie’s first year attending OVCA, hardly anyone would have guessed as much with how much she seems to effortlessly balance—achieving at a high level, taking concurrent classes—while traversing the learning curve that comes with online education. The format of the school may have been more in line with her strengths. She says, “I would say the thing I have enjoyed the most this year, my first year attending OVCA, is the flexibility and unique learning style. Before OVCA, I was never really in charge of my own learning, but now I get to be the decision-maker for what my school experience will look like.”
Her commendable and highly respected work in the classroom may actually be exceeded by what she does outside of the classroom. She lets us in on life elsewhere: “I am heavily involved in a youth group in my hometown. I, also, am continually going to Costa Rica and helping down there, whether that is in the schools in the area, with medical clinics for those who cannot afford the care they need, or by rebuilding houses for people who have experienced some sort of disaster.” While she completes enough credits this year that may count for a full Freshman year of college, Reggie’s service and dedication is having a profound effect beyond the classroom.
College and Career Tech Calendar
FAFSA Applications for students to apply for aid - https://studentaid.gov/
October Scholarships : https://www.ucango2.org/scholarships/deadline.html#10
Okcollegestart Scholarships- https://secure.okcollegestart.org/Financial_Aid_Planning/Scholarships/_default.aspx
College and Career Tech Events
- Monday October 26- Oklahoma State University Virtual Session – 12:00 – link to session - https://lms.k12.com/lms/go/classConnect/PJ3JAJCJMJVJAJ0-5JMJGJCJ2JHJD-P-R-M9B9N9N9A909I9F9Q9UJIJ6JGJR-UJKJ3KQJJJF9K-4-A-Q-N-R92JGJSJIJQ-7KS-PJ7JTJ0JPJNJR-V-K-89H9K-9-I9--1-9-J-D9E9
- Tuesday October 27- Oklahoma Panhandle State College Virtual Session- 12:00- link to session - https://lms.k12.com/lms/go/classConnect/PJ3JAJCJMJVJAJ0-5JMJGJCJ2JHJD-P-R-M9B9M99-D9H9M97-Q9UJIJ6JGJR-UJKJ3KQJJJF9K-4-A-Q-N-R92JGJSJIJQ-7KS-PJ7JTJ0JPJNJR-V-K-89H9K-9-I9--1-9-J-D9E9
- Thursday October 29- University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma Virtual Session – 12:00- link to session - https://lms.k12.com/lms/go/classConnect/PJ3JAJCJMJVJAJ0-5JMJGJCJ2JHJD-P-R-M9B9M99-B9F989H9Q9UJIJ6JGJR-UJKJ3KQJJJF9K-4-A-Q-N-R92JGJSJIJQ-7KS-PJ7JTJ0JPJNJR-V-K-89H9K-9-I9--1-9-J-D9E9
- Friday October 30, - Tri- County Technology Center- 10:00 – link to session - https://lms.k12.com/lms/go/classConnect/PJ3JAJCJMJVJAJ0-5JMJGJCJ2JHJD-P-R-M9B9E9H9M929M989Q9UJIJ6JGJR-UJKJ3KQJJJF9K-4-A-Q-N-R92JGJSJIJQ-7KS-PJ7JTJ0JPJNJR-V-K-89H9K-9-I9--1-9-J-D9E9
- Friday October 30- 11:00 – Francis Tuttle Technology Center – 11:00- link to session - https://lms.k12.com/lms/go/classConnect/PJ3JAJCJMJVJAJ0-5JMJGJCJ2JHJD-P-R-M9B9E9G9B929G9F9Q9UJIJ6JGJR-UJKJ3KQJJJF9K-4-A-Q-N-R92JGJSJIJQ-7KS-PJ7JTJ0JPJNJR-V-K-89H9K-9-I9--1-9-J-D9E9
- Friday October 30- 2:00- Southern Nazarene College – link to session - https://lms.k12.com/lms/go/classConnect/PJ3JAJCJMJVJAJ0-5JMJGJCJ2JHJD-P-R-M9B9E9G9E929H9U9Q9UJIJ6JGJR-UJKJ3KQJJJF9K-4-A-Q-N-R92JGJSJIJQ-7KS-PJ7JTJ0JPJNJR-V-K-89H9K-9-I9--1-9-J-D9E9
- Monday November 2- Noon – National Guard Recruitment - link to session - https://lms.k12.com/lms/go/classConnect/PJ3JAJCJMJVJAJ0-5JMJGJCJ2JHJD-P-R-M9B9N929B9D97-29Q9UJIJ6JGJR-UJKJ3KQJJJF9K-4-A-Q-N-R92JGJSJIJQ-7KS-PJ7JTJ0JPJNJR-V-K-89H9K-9-I9--1-9-J-D9E9
- Tuesday November 3- noon- Universal Technical Institute – link to session - https://lms.k12.com/lms/go/classConnect/PJ3JAJCJMJVJAJ0-5JMJGJCJ2JHJD-P-R-M9B9N929B9D97-29Q9UJIJ6JGJR-UJKJ3KQJJJF9K-4-A-Q-N-R92JGJSJIJQ-7KS-PJ7JTJ0JPJNJR-V-K-89H9K-9-I9--1-9-J-D9E9
- Wednesday November 4 – noon – University of Tulsa – link to session - https://lms.k12.com/lms/go/classConnect/PJ3JAJCJMJVJAJ0-5JMJGJCJ2JHJD-P-R-M9B9N9N929I9M9I9Q9UJIJ6JGJR-UJKJ3KQJJJF9K-4-A-Q-N-R92JGJSJIJQ-7KS-PJ7JTJ0JPJNJR-V-K-89H9K-9-I9--1-9-J-D9E9
Oklahoma Promise
Free college? What?!
Students in grades 8th-10th who qualify based on family income may earn free college tuition to a public school in Oklahoma after graduation. More info can be found at this Oklahoma Promise site:
https://www.okhighered.org/okpromise/
You can also reach out to our College and Career Readiness Coordinator, Katie McAskill for additional information. 405-835-2133 Ext 3011 or kamcaskill@okvirtual.org
More Career Options
Oklahoma Public School Resource Center is offering a week-long industry chats that students can sign up for to learn more about various jobs and industries. Here is the link to sign up :
All concurrent, career, and college questions are welcomed to be sent to Katie McAskill at kmcaskill@okvirtual.org.
Staff Member of the Month Survey Link
Show Support, Give a Shout-Out, and Vote for Staff Member of the Month
https://forms.gle/xykTYU6GCJqGnKvG9
Congratulations Mrs. Holly Parker (Algebra 1) & Mrs. Chare Bruce (CFA) for winning for October!
Check out your grad plan each semester!
To view your course schedule for Fall, please review your Grad Plan for Semester 1 of the 2020-2021 school year. If you have any questions or concerns, email your school counselor.
ACT FEE WAIVERS AVAILABLE FOR OVCA STUDENTS!
Any Junior or Senior that qualifies for the Free/Reduced Lunch Program is also eligible to receive an ACT Fee Waiver for up to 2 tests. This is separate from the above mentioned waivers. Students should email their school counselor for more information regarding the Free/Reduced Lunch ACT Waivers.
Any Native American student in grades 10, 11, or 12 may also qualify for an ACT fee waiver or reimbursement. Students should contact their specific tribal office for more information.
The ACT is offered nationally multiple times per year. The National ACT takes place on a Saturday, typically from 8am-12pm. There are various test locations around the state. To register for the National ACT, students need to visit www.act.org to create an account. During the registration process, you will be able to select the test date and test location of your choice. Fee Waiver Codes are entered on the payment screen during the registration process.
*The National ACT is separate from the State ACT that is required for all 11th graders in the State of Oklahoma for graduation. The State ACT is scheduled to happen in April 2021 pending any changes mandated by the Oklahoma State Department of Education.
New App and Tool for OVCA Students - Grammarly Premium!
Much like the second half of last year, OVCA High School has partnered with Grammarly to give each high school student their own Grammarly Premium subscription for the rest of this school year. Grammarly is an app that can be downloaded and attached to all Microsoft Office products, your web browser, and more. It helps as you write, lets you know of spelling and grammar errors (more thoroughly than Microsoft Word spell check or similar programs), and can even detect tone and proper citations for research papers. This is an excellent program to self-monitor and learn more about effectively communicating. It will help you understand grammar rules and become a better writer in a relatively effortless way.
Be sure to be on the lookout from emails from Grammarly to your okvirtual.org email address (which is the address you will use to sign in/log in).
News from the OPSRC: Poetry and Writing Contests
Have You Heard?
Grants, events, contests & important info for teachers & students...
Local Letters for Global Change: A Pulitzer Center writing contest
Students can make their voices heard this election season by writing a letter to a local elected representative that explains the global issue they want prioritized.
Any current K-12 student may enter. Letters may be written in English and/or Spanish. Students will be judged separately in high school, middle school and elementary categories.
First-place winners in the high school, middle school and elementary categories will receive:
- $100 to support global community engagement in the classroom (prize distributed to the class teacher)
- Publication of the student's letter, photo and bio on the Pulitzer Center website
Finalists will receive:
- Publication of the student's letter, photo and bio on the Pulitzer Center website
The submission deadline is Friday, November 13. Good luck!
Poetry Out Loud student competition
Poetry Out Loud is a free poetry recitation contest for high-school students (grades 9-12) in both public and private schools. Poetry Out Loud encourages students to learn about great poetry through memorization and recitation. This program helps students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence and learn about literary history and contemporary life.
For 2020-2021, state and national contests will be conducted through a video submission virtual contest. Participating schools can hold their classroom competitions in person or online.
Oklahoma A+ Schools will host a free Poetry Out Loud workshop for teachers and coordinators on November 14.
Register your school on the OK A+ website for the state contest; the registration deadline is December 1. You will also find downloadable teacher guides and requirements for virtual competitions on the site.
World of Work Week through FutureLink Oklahoma
Join us for the OPSRC World of Work (WoW) Week October 27-29. This is a FREE, online event for students to learn from professionals who Innovate, Investigate and Accelerate in our state!
WoW Week doesn’t happen often, so now is the chance for your students to explore careers and connect directly with professionals in a variety of fields.
FutureLink Oklahoma will host WoW Week. This site is designed to provide students the opportunity to virtually connect with professionals through industry chats, customized teacher requests and an extensive video library. The World of Work Week industry chats this October will include opportunities to learn about:
- Aerospace industry basics with Boeing
- Manufacturing and classroom skills connections with AAON, a Tulsa based HVAC manufacturer
- Effective communication processes with the provost of Tulsa Community College
- Data and analytics with OG&E’s director of business intelligence
- Investigative journalism with Ben Felder from The Frontier
Your students can take part in the event no matter where school is happening. The platform uses Zoom, and a secure code sent after you sign up. Check out the current line up of chats here, and keep checking as more are added. Whether you choose a chat for your students or they choose for themselves, this promises to be an event not to be missed. Sign up for a free account and complete your profile before the big day.
K12 National News
The K12 App - Do You Have It?
- Link to K12 App on iOS
• Getting Started Resources
• Track Student Progress
• Check Your Daily Schedule
• Contact Teachers & Support
• Get Timely Notifications
Project Elevate: Do you have a story to tell?
Do you have a great story to tell about your student(s) and the role that online and blended school has played in their lives?
Are you interested in sharing your story with local reporters and media outlets?
If so, please submit it to Project Elevate, our story-collection tool, and we’ll contact you for possible media opportunities. You can submit your story online or via the free K12 Project Elevate app for iOS and Android devices.
Oklahoma Virtual Charter Academy
Email: almiller@okvirtual.org
Website: okvirtual.net
Location: 1160 South Douglas Boulevard, Midwest City, OK, USA
Phone: 405-259-9478
Ready, Set, Grow
The Oklahoma Virtual Charter Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities and provides equal access educational programs and activities. As required by Title IX, the Oklahoma Virtual Charter Academy does not discriminate on the basis of gender, in its educational programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the Title IX non-discrimination matters:
- Angie Foust, Title IX Coordinator, afoust@okvirtual.org, (405) 259-9478 ext 2069, 1160 S Douglas, Midwest City, OK 73130
- Additionally, you may contact the Office of Civil Rights by calling 1-800-421-3481.