Shark Bytes
An update from the Virtual Academy
Week of April 8, 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.
Celebrate Demitry Simmons
This week we celebrate Demitry Simmons (GMHS '24). Demitry is a senior is well on the track to meet his goals of crossing that stage on May 31st! As a senior, Demitry's last day as a public school student will be on May 17th!! He's done a great job at making sure he has gain the credits needed to earn that diploma! Good luck with your future dreams, Demitry!!
📢📢📢 Special Alert
There will NOT be tutoring this week! It will resume as normal next week.
Top Five in Five
The top five things you need to know for this week!
1. Solar Eclipse April 2024
A partial solar eclipse will occur on Monday, April 8, 2024, in St. Mary’s County!!
The eclipse will begin at approximately 2:00 p.m. and end just after 4:30 p.m., with maximum coverage at approximately 3:20 p.m. During the eclipse, there will be 86-88% coverage, during which it will get darker outside, but there will not be total darkness.
Here's a few reminders to keep you safe during this time:
- Never look directly at the sun, especially during a solar eclipse. It is dangerous and can cause permanent damage to the eyes. Do not look at the sun through sunglasses, telescopes, or binoculars.
- Anyone using special viewing glasses or filters should only use those that conform to all International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards.
You can watch it live streamed here during the time : Monday, April 8, 2024 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. EDT
You can learn more by clicking this link and seeing the SMCPS Press release
2. Report Cards
Report cards will be available through the Home Access Center (HAC) on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. If you don't have a login, forgot your login information or need any assistance with HAC, please reach out to your home school. Unfortunately, the VA doesn't have the information needed to provide assistance.
3. Marking Period Recovery
If your teacher has recommended you complete an Edgenuity course to recovery your grade, they have been added to your dashboard. Emails sent out at 8 am this morning will include the details if you have a course available. Ms. Breeden will be following up with each student to ensure you have the support you need.
Remember you MUST get a minimum of a RELATIVE GRADE of 60% to recover your course grade for MP3.
4. April is School Library Month!
See this School Library newsletter with all the information!
5. Tech Tip of the Week
Let's say that you have a question for your teacher but it's easier to explain than do an email. Use the screen recorder!
View the quick video below to learn how!
Upcoming dates
- Wednesday, April 10, 2024 - World Lit State Test sections 1 & 2 (graduation requirement)
- Wednesday, April 10, 2024 - Marking period 2 report cards available on HAC (Home Access Center)
- Wednesday, April 17, 2024- World Lit State Test sections 3& 4 (graduation requirement)
- Friday, April 19, 2024 - Two hour early dismissal
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.
ELA 10 (World Lit)
April 10: Sections 1 and 2
April 17: Sections 3 and 4
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.
College and Career Counseling Corner
College Spotlight: Maryland Private Career School Search
This site offers you the ability to search for career focused educational opportunities. You have the options to search by location, school name, training type, or occupation. All of the schools listed are in Maryland and contact information is linked for each.
Check out this link for more information!