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
Parent Advisory Council Meeting Dates:
*** All Meetings will be held at 1 PM ***
January 9th, 2025
March 6th, 2025
May 8th, 2025
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 • NEW LOCATION!
1480 County Rd XX in Rothschild, WI 54474
Join us at the RVA Learning Center for some Great Events and Opportunities
The Learning Center is now located in Rothschild, within walking distance of numerous restaurants, a shopping mall, a grocery store, hotels, a movie theater, and much more.
Also, the new Learning Center will be hosting more events than ever before with multiple events being at the same time and targeted toward different age groups. (elementary & middle school events at the same time)
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.
Academic Progress Checks
What is a Progress Check? Progress Checks are held approximately every four weeks to review students’ progress in their curriculum. The purpose of these checks is to confirm that students are meeting expectations in their coursework. If a student is failing to meet expectations, they will be placed on Academic Probation and will be notified with a warning letter. Multiple warning letters may result in the student’s dismissal from the RVA for failure to participate in accordance with State Statute (118.40 (8)(f)(g)) and RVA policy RVA-JE. These progress checks and communication help to keep all students on track for a successful school year. For more information, please contact your RVA teacher or advisor or reference the guidelines listed in the 2024-2025 PreK-8 Student Handbook and 2024-2025 Grades 9-12 Student Handbook.
Academic Progress Check Dates for 2nd Quarter
*** All-Academic Progress Checks are for Elementary, Middle, and High School ***
February 24th, 2025
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!
For more information on what the Mentor Network will entail please check out our Group Events Calendar.
Mentor Network Meeting Dates:
Jan. 9th 2025
Feb. 13th 2025
Mar. 6th 2025
Apr. 10th 2025
May 8th 2025
Other Important School Dates
Quarter 3 No Live Classes
End of 1st Semester - Jan. 16th 2025
No Live Classes - Jan. 17th, 2025
No Live Classes - Jan. 20th, 2025
Start of 2nd Semester - Jan. 21st 2025
Independent Work Day - Feb. 6th 2025
Independent Work Day - Feb. 7th 2025
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 seeking winter activities or crafts? Explore this joyful craft corner now!
Snowman crafts are a delightful way to embrace the magic of winter while staying warm indoors. These activities are suitable for all ages, combining creativity with seasonal charm, and simple projects for kids. Snowman crafts offer endless possibilities to celebrate the season.
Melting Snowman Winter Craft
The Melting Snowman craft is a fun, easy, and engaging winter activity perfect for kids and adults alike. It creatively captures the notion of a snowman slowly "melting" as the seasons change or indoor warmth takes over. Please check out this link
Snowman Snowball Shooter
The Snowman Snowball Shooter is a fun, hands-on craft, and activity that combines creativity with playful action. Perfect for winter-themed fun, this craft involves creating a cute snowman-themed launcher that can shoot soft "snowballs" like pom-poms or marshmallows. It’s great for kids to play with indoors when it’s too chilly to be outside! Please click on the link to get the supplies needed.
RVA Recipe Discovery
Check out these super YUMMY recipes for the Winter Season!!
Winter is the season for hearty meals, rich flavors, and indulgent desserts that provide warmth and cheer during the cold months.
Creamy Turkey Noodle Soup is a warm, satisfying dish that brings comfort to your table, making it a must-try for the winter season.To find the full recipe please click on the link.
No-bake chocolate peppermint lasagna is a decadent, layered dessert that combines rich chocolate, cool peppermint, and creamy textures for the ultimate winter treat. 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!
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: Barcelona Spain
Helpful Clues from Rory
This destination is home to tropical birds, sea turtles, and a variety of marine life.
This destination has warm weather all year round making it a great place to visit its many reefs and lagoons.
This destination is formed by a volcano millions of years ago.
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!