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!
You 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 4 Parent Advisory Council Meeting Date:
March 7th 2023 @ 2PM
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 links and RSVP forms that are needed for attending these events. 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 support and those looking to form in-person relationships with other students during the RVA school year.
Keep an eye out on the RVA Learning Center Calendar for upcoming events. For more information and to learn more about this facility, check out the website linked here: Learning Center Website.
The Book It! Reading Program through the RVA Learning Center
I am pleased to present the opportunity for RVA families to participate in the Pizza Hut Book It program in collaboration with the RVA Learning Center!
Book it is a reading incentive program created by Pizza Hut in 1984. The purpose is to motivate students to read by providing Reading Award Certificates good for a free, one-topping Personal Pan Pizza from Pizza Hut. This program is available for grades PreK-6th grade and ages 4-12.
Families will choose a reading goal for each student for the months of November - May. For example, it could be the number of minutes, the number of pages, or the number of books read in a day or month! Also, parents can read with kids who are not yet reading independently.
If you would like to sign up, please fill out the Book It 2022-2023 Google Form.
*Please fill out one entry PER student participating. If you have multiple students, you will need to fill out a form for EACH student.
Parent University
Have you ever wanted to learn more about the technology that your child/children use everyday here in the RVA? Now is your chance! New this year will be the opportunity to become a student of the RVA Parent University.
Mark your calendars with Parent University Dates and Times
March 1st, 2023 - @ 1PM
Join us here: Mrs Mukerji’s Zoom Room Mrs Mukerji's Zoom Room
Academic Progress Checks
What is a Progress Check? Progress Checks are done for all Middle and High School students. These are done to make sure that at a certain time of the year students are meeting expectations in their coursework progress and receiving a 75% 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 PreK-8 Student Handbook and 9-12 Student Handbook
Academic Progress Check Dates for 4th Quarter
March 13th, 2023- High School Progress Check
March 20th, 2023- Middle School Progress Check
April 10th, 2023- Middle School Progress Check
April 17th, 2023- 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:
March 7th, 2023 - @ 1PM
March 23rd, 2023 - @ 1PM
April 4th, 2023 - @ 1PM
April 27th, 2023 - @ 1PM
Mentor Series Dates:
March 16th - 6:30 PM - Motivation: Motivate the Unmotivated. To learn more click the link.
April 20th, 2023 - 3 PM -Developing GRIT to Persevere in School and Life To learn more click the link.
To view past Mentor Series webinars click the link to navigate to our Mentor Series Resource Library
Other Important School Dates
Quarter 4th No Live Classes
No Live Classes (Work Day) - March 3rd, 2023 (Teacher Inservice)
April 3rd, 2023 Returning and New Family Information Day Meetings
9 AM - Pre-K - 8th Grade Returning Families
11 AM - High School Returning Families
2 PM - Pre-K - 8th Grade New Families
4 PM - High School New Families
April 4th, 2023 Spring Ahead Day
No Live Classes (Work Days) - April 6th & 7th, 2023 ( 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!
Dandelions
Click on this link to get all the information needed so you and your child can make super fun Dandelions. I know everyone at the RVA is looking forward to SPRING!!!!
Colorful Umbrellas
Spring is just around the corner. Why not make these colorful umbrellas to help bring spring rain for your beautiful spring flowers. For the instructions on how to make these umbrellas click on this link.
RVA Recipe Discovery
Check out these super YUMMY recipes for the CHILLY Winter Season!!
Lemon Blueberry Cake
This Lemon Blueberry Cake has me thinking of Spring. My family and I can’t wait to try this cake. Click this link to get to the whole recipe.
Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad
This spring salad is quick and easy and makes a great salad to take to your next gathering. Click on this Link to get the full recipe. I hope that you enjoy this family friendly salad idea.This is a family favorite in my house.
Where in the World is Roary!!!
RVA we need your help locating Roary!
Roary has gone on vacation and now he's missing oh no. What are we going to do? All we know is that Roary set off on a fantastic adventure and has sent us some great pictures and clues, but we are unable to figure out where he is. We need your help to bring him back to the school. With these helpful clues we are looking for the RVA pride family that can help return Roary safe and sound.
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 answer 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.
Helpful Clues from Rory:
You can visit the amazing park all year long.
I really love looking at all these cool rocks. They are so neat to look at after it rains it really brings out the colors.
It's hard to believe that all these rock formations were made by nature.
January’s Where in the World is Roary answer was Wisconsin at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.
The History of the RVA
Relationships. Values. Academics…
in that order, no apologies.
In this new section of the newsletter, we will dive deeper into the backstory of how the RVA was started, and answer questions about how we choose things such as curriculum and rules, and why we use some of the technology that we do. Our own Charlie Heckel has taken the time to provide us with the answers that all of the Home Mentors are inquiring about.
Q. How many consortium districts are there? How does this impact the students that come from those districts? Is this different than open enrollment?
The consortium model is intended to be a win-win-win for taxpayers, school districts, and students. This model allows students to attend the RVA without having to open enroll them to the Medford Area Public School District. Under this model, RVA consortium students get to remain students of their local school districts allowing them to participate in local community and school activities such as WIAA-sanctioned athletics. In addition, this model allows the RVA to charge tuition for education services which are specific to the money spent on each child instead of receiving an automatic and set dollar amount determined by the legislature. This financial model is fiscally responsible to all taxpayers by helping keep locally raised school tax dollars closest to home.
Q. Why does the RVA use GoGuardian? What are some of the benefits of this program?
We deploy the use of GoGuardian to protect students online as much as we reasonably can. As a public school and as simply as adults trusted with the care of children, we believe it is our duty and obligation to help keep our kids safe and are making good decisions. Overall, we have been happy with the use of GoGuardian, the information it provides, and the opportunity it gives to us to communicate with parents in the event children are either making a poor choice or may be in danger.
Q. How are the rules chosen at the RVA and how are they enforced?
The rules of the RVA are often variants of either Wisconsin statute or DPI's administrative codes. When laws or codes are absent, then the RVA develops rules that help guide students, parents, and teachers to create a learning environment in the best interest of the majority. When we look at either adopting or adapting new policies or procedures in the RVA, we involve parents and parents through surveys and / or the RVA's Governance Board. In terms of drafting those rules, that primarily falls on the shoulders of the RVA Administrator, who by job description, oversees policy and finance.
Q. Why do the students at the RVA have to do community service? How were 8 hours chosen?
Community service hours were born out of a recommendation made by the Parent Advisory Council in 2010. Parents at that time wanted community service added to the handbook as an expectation of every child, at every grade, or 8 hours a year. It supported the RVA's mission of "Relationships, Values, and Academics" and in particular the "Values" aspect of the school in helping teach our children the importance of volunteering, helping others, and supporting community.
The RVA Administration Spotlight
Mrs. Jenna Versch
How long have you been with the RVA?
I started with the RVA in August 2016.
What jobs have you held within the RVA?
I have held a variety of positions within the RVA. I began my time with the RVA as a PreK-8th Grade teacher overseeing a variety of our curriculum options. Then, I moved to teaching Middle School Language Arts as part of the expansion of our live class options in Grades 6th-8th. Next, I continued teaching Middle School Language Arts and also oversaw the Middle School level as the Middle School Coordinator. Then, I moved into the Dean of Students role and I currently serve as the RVA Assistant Principal.
What does your job entail?
As the Assistant Principal of the RVA, my primary job is to ensure that the mission of our school, "Relationships, Values, and Academics", is being implemented and observed throughout our daily operations within the school community. In cooperation with our leadership team, I monitor communication, curriculum, and personnel to ensure the instructional and operational programs of the RVA are meeting our high-quality performance standards.
Most beneficial part of your job?
The most beneficial part of my job is the people who I am able to interact with and who we have the privilege to serve. We have the best students, families, and staff members! I enjoy creating relationships with them to build trust and success within the RVA Pride.
Most challenging part of your job?
My job is challenging at times, but I find it to be more rewarding than challenging. I like to keep a positive and proactive mindset. I know that within our RVA community, we can adequately address any challenge that arises.
Where do you see the RVA heading in the next 5 years?
I'm excited to see the RVA continue to be a leader in virtual education in years to come. There is no other school like ours! I look forward to innovating and monitoring our performance to continue to provide the highest quality academic options and support to those whom we have the privilege to serve.
Where have you worked and what positions have you held within the educational field?
I graduated from UW-LA Crosse in December 2008 and began substitute teaching in a variety of positions until I was offered a full-time position with the Kiel Area School District as a 1st Grade teacher in June of 2009. I held a variety of different Elementary teaching positions throughout my time in Kiel including 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades as well as being an interventionist and learning coach. I was grateful for all of these experiences and am excited that my educational journey led me to the RVA!
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!
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 quarterly reimbursements of $90 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 1
February 1
April 1
June 1
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!