OVCA MIddle School Bison Blast
February 2017
In this edition...
OVCA Spirit Week Feb. 13-17
Upcoming EventsImportant Testing Reminder
Learning Fun
Learning Coach Resources
Get Connected with OVCA
Teacher Shout Outs
Box Tops for Education
Celebrate Spirit Week at OVCA!
Watch this video on how to make a rocket!
Mrs. Barbara Hinkle and her son demonstrating how to make the rocket.
Here is what's coming up!
February 20- Presidents Day – no school
February 24 - Fine Arts Funday for Kdg-8th grade at Hardesty Library in Tulsa
February 24 - Oklahoma City Art Museum Outing (RSVP below)March 3- Teacher professional day- no school
March 9/10- Parent Teacher conference – no school on Friday 3/10
March 13-17 – spring break – no school
April – state testing- look in email for information on locations/times/days
May 10 - Super Kids Day (details coming soon)
May 25th – last day of school!
Fine Arts Funday for Kdg-8th grade
Tulsa Fine Arts Funday
Hardesty Library 8316 E 93rd St, Tulsa, OK 74133
10:00am-12:00pm
We will begin event with ice breaker games and then students will make decorative winter pins.
This event is for K-8 students only
Click this link to reserve your spot for Hardesty Library Fine Arts Funday https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fine-arts-funday-at-hardesty-library-in-tulsa-tickets-31288603054
Friday, Feb 24, 2017, 10:00 AM
Hardesty Regional Library, East 93rd Street, Tulsa, OK, United States
Join us for an outing at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art
OKC Museum of Art Tour
Museum is located at 415 Couch Drive, Oklahoma City, OK 73102
6th-12th grade families meet and greet 11:30am-12:00pm
6th-12th grade self-guided tour at 12:00pm
OKCMOA 6th-12th grade RSVP link https://www.eventbrite.com/e/oklahoma-city-museum-of-art-tour-for-6th-12th-graders-tickets-31295661165
Kdg-5th grade guided tour at 11:00am
Kdg-5th grade families meet and greet 12pm-12:30pm
OKCMOA Kdg-5th grade RSVP link https://www.eventbrite.com/e/oklahoma-city-museum-of-art-tour-for-kdg-5th-graders-tickets-31295604997
For parking information http://www.okcmoa.com/visit/map-directions-and-parking/
We have a limit on the number of free tickets for adults. We are using Eventbrite for our sign up and you will see additional information about the number of tickets when you RSVP. Additional tickets will be available for the admission fee of $7. If you plan to purchase an adult admission ticket, please click here and complete this survey so we can let the museum know how many to expect.
Friday, Feb 24, 2017, 11:00 AM
Oklahoma City Museum of Art, Couch Drive, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
Attention 6th grade parents and students:
Attention 6th grade parents and students:
OVCA is excited to offer you a wonderful opportunity for “real-life” learning. In April and May, 6th grade students have the option of participating in the JA Biztown program. The program combines classroom concepts and relevant application at Junior Achievement's interactive JA BizTown facility in Tulsa. JA BizTown helps students connect the dots between what they learn in school and the world outside of the classroom. (https://www.juniorachievement.org/web/ja-ok/ja-biztown)
If you choose to participate, your student will be required to attend 11 one hour long virtual sessions, 1 one hour long session in person at the Hardesty Library in Tulsa, and a 5 hour long visit to Biztown in Tulsa on May 22nd. The cost to participate in this activity is $25.00 per student.
A minimum of 80 students is required for our school to participate. To RSVP, please complete the survey: https://goo.gl/forms/jIEyUseLc7utWodk2. The deadline to RSVP is March 1, 2017.
Once we have 80 people RSVP, I will send you a confirmation email. At that time, you will send in your payment of $25 in the form of a check or money order to our school office.
For more information, please attend a virtual information session on February 6th at 12:00 pm or 6:30pm.
If you have any questions, prior to the meeting on the 6th, please contact me at aconder@okvirtual.org.
Oklahoma City Thunder - 2017 Black History Heroes Challenge
As you know, the Thunder is committed to providing opportunities for Oklahoma teachers to incorporate the Thunder into the classroom. To that end, I want to invite your students to take part in the 2017 Black History Heroes Challenge.
Presented by Sprite, this contest challenges Oklahoma students in kindergarten through 12th grade to use their creativity in honoring an outstanding individual in black history or an impactful African-American in their lives. Students are encouraged to create an essay, art piece, collage or video describing their hero and how they've had an impact on their life.
Winners in each of five age groups will receive a Thunder prize pack, including four tickets to the Thunder vs. New Orleans Pelicans home game on Feb. 26, recognition at center court prior to the game, an autographed Thunder item and an award plaque. Select entries will be displayed on the concourse at Chesapeake Energy Arena during the Feb. 26 game.
Your student must mail or deliver their entry, along with a completed entry form, to the Thunder offices no later than Feb. 16, 2017.
Click here for entry form.
I Didn't Like Math But Then the Strangest Thing Happened...
Thie following is an article written by Elizabeth Nelson, K12 teacher in Arizona
When I was a middle school student, I didn’t like math! My mom loves to tell the story about getting a phone call from my seventh grade math teacher: “Did you know that your daughter isn’t doing her homework? Did you know she is getting a D in math class?” I didn’t like my math class or my teacher; I thought she was strict and boring. I wanted to write notes to my friends and make plans to hang out with them after school, not pay attention in a boring class.
This story ends well though. I started doing my math homework and my grade improved. And then a strange thing happened – I began paying attention in class in order to understand the math concepts so I could raise my grade and my attitude changed from disinterest to a focus on learning. I was focused on what the teacher was doing, and that’s when I noticed it: Math is puzzle and pattern solving! I could turn it into a game and challenge myself to find the patterns and relationships from one math idea to another. And then math class became fun!
How do you go from failing math class to going to college for a career in math?
Here is how:
1. BE in class! I’m not talking about attendance; what I mean is to be involved in what is happening in class. One of the phrases that I say the most in class is “You have to DO the math, to LEARN the math!” You can’t do it if you are daydreaming or working on something else.
2. LOOK for patterns! There are patterns and repetition in math. Seeing the connections between different math ideas will help you understand new math concepts quicker and on a deeper level.
3. PRACTICE new skills! Professional athletes didn’t get great by watching others play their sport. They got great because they devoted time to practicing until they were amazing at it!
Interested in ballet? Check out this great opportunity!
Oklahoma City Ballet's ArtsReach program still has plenty of spots available for your student! The program is FREE and serves as a great introduction to ballet and the performing arts. This year boasts an ALL NEW CURRICULUM, with a specific curriculum geared towards elementary and middle school students and a separate one for high school students
For more information and to access the required forms please visit www.okcballet.com/artsreach.
If you have any questions, please contact me at Stephanie@okcballet.com or
(405)208-8881.
I hope you can join us this year!
THE PROGRAM CONSISTS OF:
- -FREE LIVE PERFORMANCE:
The culmination of ArtsReach will be a special professional
performance by OKC Ballet at the Civic Center Music Hall.
- -8 WEEK CURRICULUM:
Covering ballet history, terms,
and steps: Included in this are unique lesson plans with
interactive links to exciting ballet websites that create
a creative learning environment.
Monday, Apr. 24, 2016 at 9:30 AM
Monday, Apr. 24, 2016 at 11:30 AM
Performances last approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes
and are filled on a first come first served basis.
For additional questions, please contact:
Stephanie Pitts at stephanie@okcballet.com
February - Spring Activities sign up
Sport Sign up
Can you believe that Spring is right around the corner? This means that the time is nearing for spring and summer sport sign-ups. Playing sports is a great way to get physical activity and exercise. It also provides an opportunity for students to build teamwork, make friends, learn life lessons, and have fun! There are many different ideas to get active while enjoying the beautiful spring and summer weather. Check your local YMCA or city websites for more detailed information on signing up for the spring and summer activities!
Local YMCA Websites
OKC: http:// www.ymcaokc.org/
Stillwater: http:// stillwaterymca.org/
Tulsa: http://ymcatulsa.org/
Lawton: http:// www.lawtonfamilyymca.org/
Enid: http:// www.enidymca.com/
Norman: http:// www.ymcanorman.org/
Youth Physical Activities Recommendations -
K12 Online Clubs
K12 offers a variety of student clubs where like-minded students can share their areas of interest. These clubs are offered typically two times a month, and last one hour. Browse our 2016–2017 club listings by clicking here, and register for your favorite clubs today!
Introducing Wednesday Workshops
Click HERE to watch a 2 minute video from Nicole Ellison explaining what Wednesday Workshops are!
Check out the calendar to see which topics will be offered this school year @ http://ovca.k12start.com/calendar/
Are you an expert at one of the topics being offered? Or do you have vast experience as an LC and you would love to share your knowledge with others? PLEASE email Nicole Ellison at nellison@k12.com She is always looking for LC’s to share the mic!
Wednesday, February 1st 4pm
Elementary: How to Help with Struggling Math Students
Middle School: Writing Refresher
High School: Life Skills and College Prep
Links in OLS
Wednesday, February 8th , 4pm
Love Bug - What do you LOVE about OVCA?
Wednesday, February 15th, 4pm
Testing FAQ - Locations, Confirmation, Arrival, Etc.
Wednesday, February 22nd, 4pm
Falling Behind - How to Get Back on Track
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.
UPCOMING SESSION IN THE SERIES
Holding Students Accountable
Tuesday, February 7
7:30 PM (ET), 6:30 PM (CT), 5:30 PM (MT), 4:30 PM (PT)
Learning to use consequences instead of punishments
to motivate students is key. Allowing students to
experience the natural consequences of their behaviors
can result in good student outcomes.
Click on the topics below to watch previous session from Motivate 2 Activate!
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!
Below is a recording link for the Booster Club meeting held on January 10th.
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!
Family Fun in Oklahoma
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FREE First Mondays for Kids at Sam Noble
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FREE Art Adventures at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art on Tuesday
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FREE Monthly Mini Model Build at the Lego Store in Penn Square Mall on Tuesday & Wednesday
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FREE Reading Wednesdays Story Time at Myriad Gardens
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FREE Whole Kids Club Story Time on Thursday
- http://www.tulsakids.com/Things-To-Do/
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