The PAC Mission:
To serve as the front line of RVA family communication while in collaboration with the RVA administration and school board.
Well, first of all, what is the PAC? The state of Wisconsin will tell you that the PAC is the Parent Advisory Council, a mandate that every charter school has available for you as parents. So if there are questions, concerns or feedback to be offered, you as a home mentor have someone to go to.
My name is Angie Wolosek and I will be serving in the RVA as the Parent Advisory Council President. It is the PAC that works in collaboration with the administration team and RVA School Board to create the best possible school experience for our students and families. I can be reached at angie.wolosek.rec@ruralvirtual.org or 715-254-8599.
The PAC in the RVA is a community of home mentors working together to inspire each other and grow. This is how the Mentor Series came to be. We heard from our RVA families about a desire to learn and grow as a home mentor and the Mentor Series was created!
For a quick scan of this newsletter, look for the new updates icon below!
Home Mentors Have a Voice!
Throughout the school year there will be four open forum discussions known as PAC meetings. These sessions are not recorded and designed with you in mind. This is a time where you as parents can discuss how you are doing, how you feel the school year is moving along, as well as how you are implementing what you have learned to be best practices in your household. PAC meetings are also a good time to brainstorm together, revisit Mentor Series webinars or follow up with questions regarding Board Meeting topics. These sessions are all for you. RVA parents having time to talk.
You can also anticipate a quarterly newsletter throughout the year updating you on what is going on within the RVA. In this newsletter, you will find many important details including any updates that pertain to you as a home mentor or topics brought about from other home mentors.
If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me; The RVA’s PAC President, Angie Wolosek at angie.wolosek.rec@ruralvirtual.org or 715-254-8599
Quarter 3 Parent Advisory Council Meeting Date:
January 4th, 2024 - 2 PM
RVA Events
Throughout the year, the RVA organizes group events that encourage students to build relationships and create lifelong memories with one another.
Since the RVA serves students statewide, it is important to have a number of activities throughout the school year so all students can have opportunities to participate. Check out the RVA Website under the Activities tab for more information on all the RVA Events. This Group Events Calendar will provide you with the events available to you and your family with links and RSVP forms that are needed for attending these events. Please ensure that you're using your school-issued account when RSVPing or looking at the Guest List, as access will not be granted otherwise. We hope to see you and your family soon!
RVA Learning Center
Join us at the RVA Learning Center for some Great Events and Opportunities
Intentionally located in the center of Wisconsin in Mosinee for ease of access, we created this space for families and our consortium partners to get connected. This RVA Learning Center serves as a means for group events, curriculum enrichment opportunities, individual student tutoring and those looking to form in-person relationships with other students during the RVA school year.
Keep an eye out for RVA Learning Center events. For more information and to learn more about this facility, check out the website linked here: Learning Center Website.
Parent University
What is Parent University?
Do you have a burning Buzz question or wish you knew more about the tech tools your students are using? Have you found yourself wondering what the RVA Governance Board does, or what District Connect is? If so, then this is the course for you! At RVA Parent University, parents will learn about the different facets of the RVA in one comprehensive class taught by Laura Mukerji. It is intended to be informational while being fun and giving RVA Parents a chance to connect with each other.
Topics will include All things Buzz and Google, Parent Advisory Council, Mentor Network, District Connect, RVA Governance Board, RVA Learning Centers, Activities, and more!
Mark your calendars with Parent University Dates and Times
January 23rd, 2024 - @ 10 AM
January 30th, 2024 - @ 10 AM
February 6th, 2024 - @ 10 AM
February 13th, 2024 - @ 10AM
February 20th, 2024 - @ 10AM
February 27th, 2024 - @ 10AM
Enroll by clicking the link: RVA Parent University
Academic Progress Checks
What is a Progress Check? Progress Checks are done for all Middle and High School students. These are done to ensure that at a certain time of the year students are meeting expectations in their coursework progress and receiving an 80% or higher in all of their classes. In order to monitor student progress and ensure all students are meeting reasonable academic expectations, the RVA will conduct Academic Progress Checks. If any student is earning two or more failing grades in any classes at the time of the Academic Progress Check, they will be placed on Academic Probation and will be notified with a warning letter. By the next Academic Progress Check, if the student is still earning two or more failing grades in any classes, it will result in the RVA considering the dismissal of a student from school for failure to participate in accordance with State Statute (118.40 (8)(f)(g)) and RVA policy RVA-JE. This keeps all middle and high school students on track for a successful school year. For more information please reference guidelines listed in the 2023-2024 PreK-8 Student Handbook and 2023-2024 Grades 9-12 Student Handbook
Academic Progress Check Dates for 3rd Quarter
January 2nd - Middle School Progress Check
January 18th - High School Progress Check ( End of Semester)
February 12th - Middle School Progress Check
February 19th - High School Progress Check
Mentor Network and Mentor Series
What is the difference between Mentor Series and Mentor Network?
Mentor Network- The Mentor Network is a collaborative Home Mentor experience facilitating relationships, the sharing of ideas and tips from Mentor to Mentor. Whether you are a new or an experienced Home Mentor, you are welcome and encouraged to take part in our Mentor Network!
Mentor Series- The Mentor Series is a Home Mentor developmental opportunity designed for professional and personal growth through a series of online webinars. Home Mentors with a goal of enriching the home learning environment are encouraged to attend.
For more information on what the Mentor Network or Mentor Series will entail please check out our Group Events Calendar.
Mentor Network Meeting Dates:
January 4th, 2024 - 1 PM
January 23rd, 2024 - 1 PM
February 6th, 2024 - 1 PM
February 22nd, 2024 - 1 PM
Mentor Series Dates:
We are gathering content for our Mentor Series to bring you valuable webinars and workshops for guidance and support. Look for invitations and updates from me about these webinars. Also, check the RVA events calendar for information. Thank you for your patience. Valuable resources for your parenting journey are coming soon.
To view past Mentor Series webinars click the link to navigate to our Mentor Series Resource Library
Other Important School Dates
Quarter 3 No Live Classes
End of 1st Semester- January 18th, 2024
No Live Classe (Work Day) - January 19th, 2024 (Teacher Inservice)
Start of 2nd Semester- January 22nd, 2024
No Live Classes - February 8-9th, 2024 (Teacher Inservice)
Community Service
It is a goal of the RVA to instill the value of volunteerism in students by providing experiences which require the effort of giving back to positively impact our communities.
All RVA Students are required to complete a minimum of eight hours of annual community service. The hours may be invested as each student chooses and may be acquired in a one-day project or over the entire school year. Community service projects are to provide students access to meaningful work that focus upon giving back to their local communities.
Group opportunities will be provided through the RVA in order to provide assistance to those students who would prefer not planning their own service project. For more information regarding community service and opportunities head over to our Community Service Page.
RVA Learning Corner
Are you looking for super fun Winter activities or crafts? Check this fun craft corner out!
Winter is a magical season filled with opportunities for creative and fun activities, especially when it comes to snow crafts and experiments for kids. Whether you have a snowy backyard or access to a winter wonderland, here are some delightful winter snow crafts that will keep kids entertained and spark their imagination
Winter provides an excellent backdrop for engaging and educational STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) activities. These activities can not only keep kids and adults entertained during the colder months but also stimulate their curiosity and critical thinking. Here are some fun and educational STEM activities for the winter season
Bring the enchantment of winter indoors with delightful snowflake sun catchers! These whimsical creations add a touch of magic to any space as they glisten and dance in the sunlight. Please check out this link
Engage young minds in the wonders of science with the magical snowball experiment—an exciting and educational activity that captivates children with the transformative power of chemistry. Please click on the link to get the supplies needed.
RVA Recipe Discovery
Check out these super YUMMY recipes for the Winter Season!!
Embrace the chilly season with a collection of yummy winter recipes that will warm your heart and delight your taste buds.
Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
"Step into a world of flavor with a delightful twist on classic chicken rice soup! This indulgent soup is perfect for a cozy family dinner. To find the full recipe please click on the link.
Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars
Satisfy your sweetest cravings with the ultimate fusion of two classic desserts in one heavenly treat—Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars! To find the full recipe please click on the link.
RVA Clubs
Are you looking to become involved with RVA’s growing list of clubs and online activities?
RVA has many options to become involved. Clubs and online activities are yet another way to make friends and share common interests. Check out what offerings are available and get involved. Take a tour of the different opportunities waiting for you in the RVA!
Where in the World is Roary!!!
RVA we need your help locating Roary!
Roary's embarked on an amazing vacation, but here's where the excitement kicks in - he's gone missing! Don't worry, though, because we've got a thrilling puzzle on our hands. Roary's adventure snapshots and clever hints have us all buzzing, but cracking the code to his location has us stumped. That's where you come in, our fantastic community! Let's rally together to bring Roary back to school. Armed with these invaluable clues, we're counting on the RVA pride family to work their magic and ensure Roary's triumphant and safe return!
Helpful Clues from Rory
1. Most famous for its four ski resorts.
2. Most silver mined in the US
3. This city hosted the 1950’s World Skiing Championships
Please send guesses to angie.wolosek.rec@ruralvirtual.org to see if you were able to locate Roary for an incredible reward. The first five families with the correct answer will be notified for a reward.
The answers to the questions will be placed in the next RVA PAC newsletter. Please keep an eye out for that information to see if you were able to locate Roary.
Where in the World is Roary Answer from the previous newsletter:
San Antonio, TX
Tech Corner
Helpful reminder to update your RVA chromebooks every month. Follow these simple steps for greater device performance: How to Update Your Chromebook. Here is a link to a video of this same process.
For additional help with a variety of technology questions, go to the RVA-Help! menu. Here you can find an array of useful videos specific to frequently asked questions. Please send other technology related questions to the new RVA technology email. rvatechnology@ruralvirtual.org
Internet Reimbursement Information and Dates
Internet Reimbursement - The Rural Virtual Academy Governance Board supports the monthly reimbursement for home internet usage for full time RVA students.
RVA families are eligible for biannual reimbursements of $180 to a maximum of $360 annually if able to meet all of the the following criteria:
Complete signed “Statement of Understanding” regarding the RVA’s internet reimbursement guidelines upon initial and all subsequent student registrations.
Have at least one child actively enrolled in the RVA on these dates:
December 15
April 15
Have no outstanding unpaid balances or fines owed to the RVA or any consortium school district.
Prior to set deadlines, successfully respond to quarterly emailed surveys requesting confirmation to either receive or decline reimbursement and to verify current home mailing address. Emailed surveys are only sent to RVA parents and/or guardians via their designated ruralvirtual.org school domain email address. This is to confirm active participation, compliance with communication expectations, and demonstration of successful use of required school provided communication systems.
Late submissions may be approved at the discretion of RVA Administration for rare, unforeseen, and unavoidable conflicts.
Checks are mailed following the regularly scheduled Medford Area Public School District’s monthly Board of Education meeting. The Rural Virtual Academy Governance Board reserves the discretionary right to deny reimbursement to any user and to adjust the rate at any time.
Feedback
Attention RVA Families
Any and all feedback is welcomed and can be emailed directly to angie.wolosek.rec@ruralvirtual.org.
Have a recipe or a craft you would like featured? Feel free to submit this as well for upcoming newsletters.
Thanks for being a part of this wonderful schooling experience and for making the RVA the best school ever!