Shark Bytes
An update from the Virtual Academy
Week of October 30, 2023
Top Five in Five
The top five things you need to know for this week!
1. Start of Marking Period 2
Today marking period 2 starts! Here are a few reminders for a successful marking period:
- Students have their camera is ON!
- Students are physically present for all Google Meets
- Students are focused on the learning in all Google Meets (no other activity is taking place)
- Students are active learners by engaging in the lessons presented by their teacher
- Students are taking ownership of their grades by completing all assignments by the due date.
- Students are taking the lead in communicating with teachers. If students have questions about assignments, need more information about a concept, or are struggling in anyway, students can email their teachers and/or message through Clever (based on the teacher's established communication routine with students).
2. Attendance Matters
Did you know that attendance is one of the biggest factors to influence academic success? Regular school attendance not only prepares a student academically, but they are also helping students learn the routines that will help them in life. By attending school every day, and on time, it is reinforcing a habit that is essential for the workforce or for college. This is particularly important for the Virtual Academy, where students attend synchronously for two days a week and asynchronous the other three.
3. Impact Aid Forms
Because of this impact, we receive federal grant funds to operate and maintain our schools and enrich school programs. To receive these funds, the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) requires us to survey each student to determine eligibility. SMCPS is encouraging all parents/guardians to please take the time to access and complete the Impact Aid Survey Form online, located in the Home Access Center (HAC).
Once logged in, directions to access the online form can be found HERE. A video with instructions is available HERE. The form can now be accessed in Spanish by clicking on the Globe in the top right-hand corner once the form has been started. The deadline for the online submission of Impact Aid Program Survey forms is November 14, 2023.
4. Marking Period Recovery
5. Tech Tip of the Week
Is your Google Drive a mess? For the next few weeks we will be tackling organizing your Google Drive.
Let's start by making folders:
- On your computer, go to drive.google.com.
- On the left, click New Folder.
- Enter a name for the folder. Name it something relevant (such as math) You can include an emoji as well!
- Click Create.
If you want to go the extra mile, try looking at these lessons provided by Applied Digital Skills
Computer UPDATES!
Our IT department has been working to update all apps that will be used for testing this year. In order for these updates to reach your students' computers, students need to completely shut down and restart their computers. If you have not already done so, please ask your student to completely shut down at the end of the day this week to receive these updates
Upcoming dates
- Wednesday, November 1, MTSS event (by invitation only, students come to VA)
- Tuesday, November 7th, Report cards available on the Home Access Center
- Friday, November 10th, all schools and offices closed (Veteran's Day)
- Wednesday, November 22 - Friday November 24 - Thanksgiving break
First Quarter Student Day!
Students who have been invited need to check their email for a Google Form for RSVP to ensure we have enough pizza and water for everyone!
Remember, this is by invite only. Only students who have attended their classes regularly have been invited. If you have any questions, email Mrs. Scheetz (bescheetz@smcps.org)
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
Common Application
The Common Application, which is accepted by more than 900 schools, helps streamline an essential part of the admissions process for students. Through the platform, first-time applicants can apply to multiple colleges at once. Students will only have to fill out details that most schools require, including name, address and extracurricular activities, one time. Click here for the Common Application Link
If you are applying to colleges via Common App, please do not request any documents from your teachers/counselors via Common App. All document requests must go through Naviance.