FLVS Student Makes it to Top 8 Girls on American Idol!
By Guest Blogger on March 9th, 2015
“The biggest question I have in my mind is…what can’t you sing?”
– Harry Connick, Jr. to Tyanna Jones after her Top 8 Girls performance of “Rockin’ Robin”
After watching her few performances on American Idol so far, many people are asking the same question. FLVS student Tyanna Jones is part of the Top 16 for FOX’s American Idol XIV. At only 16 years old and just a junior in high school, Tyanna is already a veteran in the singing business. She started at five years old and grew up singing in the church. Her favorite type of music is R&B and she’s inspired by Beyonce’s performances and ability. Continue reading
Meet FLVS Students Ellie & Evie
By Guest Blogger on March 4th, 2015
With FLVS Shakespeare Fest just around the corner on April 13-14, it seems all of FLVS is a stage.
Our Student Spotlight this month features Evie and Ellie McPherson, two aspiring actresses who know the importance of learning their lines while keeping up with their academics.
The girls were bitten by the acting bug at an early age—Evie is a second-grade student and her sister Ellie is in third!
Ellie was cast in Seussical the Musical as Cindy Lou Who and Evie was intrigued after seeing her in rehearsals. It didn’t take long for Evie to get cast as the Young Kangaroo. That was all it took!
Seniors – Go fill out the FAFSA!
By Guest Blogger on March 2nd, 2015
It’s tax time, and you’ll want to ask your parents to get those taxes wrapped up so you can fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
The FAFSA is the form you need to fill out to apply for college funding. In fact, this application is responsible for deciding the disbursement of billions in grants, loans, and work-study funds each year.
For example, the Federal Pell Grant (which does not need to be repaid) provides $5,775 a year (though the amount you qualify for will depend on financial need). Continue reading
Meet FLVS Student Stars
By Guest Blogger on February 24th, 2015
At Florida Virtual School, each student is recognized as an individual with a unique set of talents and skills.
Many of our students participate in extracurricular activities, some within FLVS and others within their hometown communities.
Every month, our students continue to shine as our highly-certified teachers encourage them to look ahead to what they can achieve in tomorrow’s world.
These are just a few of our students’ recent accomplishments… Continue reading
History Club Celebrates Black History Month
By Guest Blogger on February 20th, 2015
In celebration of Black History Month, the FLVS History Club has compiled a gallery of student work on their website managed by the club president.
The History Club newsletter, “A Blast from the Past,” features student articles, essays, reports, videos, paintings, drawings, and artwork.
Along with monthly updates, the site also includes current news and a page featuring historic events from the current month. Continue reading
2015 Teacher and Support Staff Person of the Year
By Guest Blogger on February 19th, 2015
Earlier this month, FLVS President and CEO Ronald Blocker announced our new FLVS Teacher of the Year and recognized our School-Related Employee of the Year.
The 2015-16 Macy’s Teacher of the Year for FLVS is Spanish teacher Ms. Caroline Jacobson. Jacobson currently teaches Spanish 2 and 3 and is helping to develop our new Spanish 4 course that will roll out in the Spring.
Suzette Soldate, Human Resources Executive Assistant, is our 2015 School-Related Employee of the Year. Soldate has been with FLVS for three years and serves the Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and Executive Director of Talent Management. Continue reading
Two Big Priorities in America
By Guest Blogger on February 17th, 2015
Health care and education – two big priorities, important to all Americans.
The two often compete for dollars in state budgets. I recently read Turn and Face the Strain: Age Demographic Change and the Near Future of American Education by Dr. Matthew Ladner, Senior Advisor of Policy and Research for the Foundation for Excellence in Education.
I was impressed to learn how the two can work together to secure a better future. Intrigued? Continue reading
Attending the State of NASA
By Guest Blogger on February 13th, 2015
I recently had the privilege of attending the State of the NASA address given by NASA Administrator Charles Bolden.
The day was full of exciting news and details about NASA’s 2016 budget, captivating science, technology, engineering, and math enthusiasts across the nation.
The SpaceX Dragon, Orion spacecraft, and Boeing CST-100 were on display behind Bolden as he addressed plans for future missions beyond low Earth orbit, with destinations including Mars and Europa. Bolden also described the excitement surrounding student involvement in NASA innovation and STEM research.
Check Out the New Virge: Life in Color
By Guest Blogger on February 11th, 2015
Have you seen the latest edition of Virge?
The Virtual Edge Literary Magazine is a quarterly publication of collected works by FLVS students which includes fiction, non-fiction, art, and photography. Submissions for the next issue to be released in May 2015 are now being accepted through March 1.
All current FLVS students are eligible to submit work to be considered for publication in Virge! Submissions must be original works, be accompanied by a completed Submission Form, and adhere to the following guidelines. The theme for the next edition edition is “Two Cups of Tea.” Submissions should follow this theme as you perceive it.
National Career & Technical Education Month
By Guest Blogger on February 6th, 2015
February is National Career & Technical Education (CTE) Month.
In order to recognize the important contribution that CTE makes to our educational system, and ultimately our economic success, Governor Rick Scott released a Proclamation declaring February 2015 as Career & Technical Education month in the State of Florida.
In his proclamation, Governor Scott commends the efforts of CTE to both stimulate economic growth as well as preparing students for success in college and careers. Florida Virtual School currently provides CTE opportunities to over 10,000 Florida students annually through 28 different course options. Continue reading