Shark Bytes
An update from the Virtual Academy
Week of April 22, 2024
Student Spotlight
Each week we share a reason to celebrate a Virtual Academy classmate. Do you have something great to share? Do you have something you'd like to share about another Virtual Academy student? Please fill out this form.
Senior Spotlight: Hannah Pascal!
Hannah Pascal is a CHS student who is ready to cross the graduation stage on May 29th! This is Hannah's first year as a SHARK, and has been absolutely crushing it earning Honor Roll or Highest Honor's every marking period! We're so excited to watch Hannah receive her high school diploma and see where her dreams take her! Congratulations on your tremendous academic record Hannah!
Top Five in Five
The top five things you need to know for this week!
1.SENIORS: SMCPS Tech materials check in!
Please be sure to mark your calendars for the following drop off times:
- Friday, May 17 from 8 am - 3 pm (front office of the Virtual Academy) This is the same day as the home high school.
- Monday, May 20 from 8 am to 3 pm (front office of the Virtual Academy)
- Tuesday, May 21 from 8 am to 11 am (front office of the Virtual Academy)
- Wednesday, May 22 from 1 pm to 3 pm (front office of the Virtual Academy).
If you cannot attend, you will need to email Ms. Cabanacan (eacabanacan@smcps.org) to make other arrangements.
You will receive an email from Ms. Cabanacan with the list of items checked out to you so you can be sure to bring it all at once when you come to the Virtual Academy. Look for an email from Ms. Cabanacan no later than Friday, May 3.
Info for underclassmen:
* all returning VA students will keep their SMCPS laptops
* all students returning to their home schools will exchange their devices the first week of June.
2. State Testing Continues
This week we have TWO state tests occurring - Algebra 1 and Geometry. These state tests are required for high school graduation and it is important that you show up on time and prepared.
You will check in at the front office by 8:45 am (and testing will start at 9:00 am promptly!). Be sure to bring your charged laptop and headphones. It's important to restart your computer the night before to make sure any updates have been completed.
As a reminder:
- Cell phones must be OFF (not on do not disturb, as some notifications still go through) during testing and placed where the teacher conducting the test session tells you to place it.
- If you finish early, you must sit at your location quietly. All students must have the opportunity to take the full time allotted for the test without disruptions.
- At the conclusion of the testing for the day, you will be able to gather your belongs, turn on your cell phone and call your parents/guardians for a ride home.
- Guardians: you must have a photo ID when you pick up your student. You do not need to check them in at the start of testing (you can drop them off at our front door (the driveway in front is one way with the IN farthest from the Sheetz and the OUT closest to the Sheetz/parking lot). You are welcomed to stay in your car and wait if you would like.
Thank you for your support for making our state testing session run smoothly!
3.Attendance Matters
It is also critical that you complete your work on time as required by your teachers! You've worked so hard this year, it's just a few weeks more!
4. Marking Period 3 Recovery
If you have questions about your grades and ensuring you will get the credit for your class, reach out to Mr. Ross (ssross@smcps.org). He will be able to help you navigate your grades.
5. Tech Tip of the Week
Creating a simple table is easy in Google Docs. Choose how many rows and columns you want, and your table is good to go. Next click INSERT and choose Dropdown and change the choices.
Try this one: An assignment table with four columns: File, Description, Status and due date
Upcoming dates
- Wednesday April 24, 2024 - Algebra 1 & Geometry State Test sections 1 & 2 (graduation requirement)
- Wednesday, May 1, 2024 - Algebra 1 & Geometry State Test sections 3 & 4 (graduation requirement)
- Wednesday, May 8, 2024 - Biology State Test sections 1 & 2 (graduation requirement)
- Friday, May 10, 2024 - Two hour early dismissal
- Tuesday, May 14, 2024 - No School for students (primary election day)
- Wednesday, May 15, 2024 - Biology State Test sections 3 & 4 (graduation requirement
- Wednesday, May 22, 2024 - Government State Test sections 1 & 2 (graduation requirement)
- Monday, May 27, 2024 - No School for students, schools closed (Memorial Day)
- Wednesday, May 29, Government State Test sections 3 & 4 (graduation requirement)
- Wednesday May 29, 2024 - Chopticon Graduation
- Thursday, May 30, 2024 - Leonardtown Graduation
- Friday, May 31, 2024 - Great Mills Graduation
- Friday, June 7, 2024 - Last day of the 2023-2024 school year
State Testing Dates
State tests are required for graduation. Please plan on coming to the Virtual Academy for each scheduled day for each content you are currently taking. More information will be sent directly to each student and guardian involved. This section will remain in the S'More for easy reference during the testing weeks.
Spring Testing Information
ELA 10, Algebra 1, Geometry, Biology, and Government
Wednesdays in April and May
Drop Off - 8:45 a.m. Pick Up - 11:45 a.m.
Algebra 1
April 24: Sections 1 and 2
May 1: Sections 3 and 4
Geometry
April 24: Sections 1 and 2
May 1: Sections 3 and 4
Biology
May 8: Sections 1 and 2
May 15: Sections 3 and 4
Government
May 22: Sections 1 and 2
May 29: Sections 3 and 4
TECH HELP!
Having trouble getting to Google Meets, Schoology, using your camera, mic or other tech problem? If so, reach out to Ms. Barker for help! Contact her at ajbarker@smcps.org or call the Virtual Academy at 301-863-4090 and dial 16122 to talk to her directly.
Ms. Barker is also reaching out to student whom the teachers have reported are having difficulty.