Educator Edition
When Elementary School Goes Virtual
By Guest Blogger on December 17th, 2018
I teach Kindergarten at FLVS. I know, teaching Kindergarten VIRTUALLY sounds nearly impossible. So, here’s how it works. Most of our FLVS Flex Elementary students are homeschool students. They register with FLVS for curriculum support and we meet with them twice a week in our virtual classroom for live lessons. Not only are we a teacher for our students, we are a partner with the home educator, which is often the student’s mom or dad. It’s a great option for families who want to homeschool, but also want a classroom experience and the support of a certified teacher. Continue reading
FLVS Corkboard: Thanksgiving Edition
By The Virtual Voice on November 12th, 2018
With the summer sun slinking away, we’re furiously free-falling into Fall — and holidays are around the corner! These months are bustling with activities at school and at home, so we are combining your November and December highlights.
First, there were many festivities in October. Here’s a recap of a few notable events from last month. Continue reading
Top 3 Reasons to Join a Club This Year
By Suzan Kurdak on August 29th, 2018
Want to make new friends and connect with other students? Have interests or hobbies you would like to explore? Joining a club (or several) is the perfect way to engage beyond the physical or virtual classroom! FLVS offers dozens of clubs for students of all grade levels! Learn more at our Virtual Club Rush open house event on Thursday, Aug. 30 from 4-7 p.m.
Studies have shown that joining a student club is beneficial both personally and professionally, and here are our top three reasons why. Continue reading
FLVS Corkboard: August Highlights
By The Virtual Voice on August 21st, 2018
Hello students and parents, it’s official—the 2018-19 school year has begun!
We know some of you may have been taking courses with us all summer and some are new to FLVS. Either way, we are so glad you are here. We start with a mention to mark your calendar for the first holiday and a “day off.” Continue reading
Teamwork: Practice, Perspective, and Persistence
By Guest Blogger on August 6th, 2018
I read a quote recently in a favorite Jodi Picoult book that said, “Grandmothers in Botswana tell their children that if you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, you must go together.”
This quote really struck me as the heart of what we do here at FLVS.
We have always been pioneers and we are still striving to blaze the trail. But perhaps the most important concept that has surfaced for us over the years is this idea that we reach our greatest potential not when we get to the finish line the fastest, but when we embrace real collaboration and teamwork that allows us to reach that finish line and so much more.
Online Learning: A 20 Year Journey
By Suzan Kurdak on June 19th, 2018
If you asked me 20 years ago where I saw myself in the future, I’m not sure I would have said I’d be at Florida Virtual School (FLVS) as a Communications Specialist. My love of writing came while in second grade when my teacher, Mrs. Kast, told me I was a natural writer, so the communications part fits. But 20 years ago, I did not have a clue what a virtual school was.
Neither did most of the world. Continue reading
Taking a Chance on Innovation
By Holly Sagues on May 31st, 2018
Today, options have become a staple in nearly all aspects of life, so it’s really no surprise that educational options exist in the modern-day student’s life. But how did it get that way?
Well, it didn’t just happen overnight. Education policies and practices tend to change very slowly. Continue reading
FLVS Corkboard: May Highlights
By The Virtual Voice on May 25th, 2018
May, May, May…may we have summer, please?
May was, as it always is, alive with activity as the traditional school year nears an end. Thank you to everyone who shared a message of appreciation for their teacher during Teacher Appreciation Week. Our teachers appreciate you as well, and you can read why our teachers love teaching to learn more! Continue reading
Questions to Ask Before Starting a Team Project
By Michael Francis on May 18th, 2018
My daughter is in high school, and every time her class has a group project, I am sure to hear about it. Why? Because sometimes her archrival happens to be in her group, and other times her best friend is (happy days ahead). No matter what, I’ll hear about the group slacker, and definitely about that controlling person ordering everyone around.
Do these roles sound familiar to you? Many of us can relate, which is unfortunate because teamwork is such an essential soft skill. Some jobs require more teamwork than others, but there’s a good chance you’ll find yourself as part of a team at some point during your life. Continue reading
Summer Science Activities for All Ages
By Guest Blogger on May 14th, 2018
Our Kindergarten students LOVE doing science experiments!
Recently we asked them what their favorite part of Kindergarten has been, and many of them said “science experiments.” Some may think that because we are a virtual school, our kids spend all their time on the computer. This couldn’t be farther from the truth!
We get our Kindergarteners into the physical world as much as possible to have the same hands-on learning experiences you would find in a brick-and-mortar school. This year, they have gone on nature walks, made slime, created straw rockets, seen sound waves at work, and discovered how animals stay warm in icy water…just to name a few! Continue reading