The Virtual Voice

Full Time Edition

Blazing the Trail with the Class of 2019

By on June 14th, 2019

This post was written by 2018-19 FLVS Full Time National Honor Society President, Julia Dawson.

As a graduate of FLVS Full Time, I’m so thankful for my parent’s willingness to live unconventional lives.

Halfway through my sophomore year, my family made a life-changing decision. We decided to leave our comfortable, subdivision existence behind and set out on an adventure to travel the country in an RV. The prospect both excited and terrified me. On one hand, it meant leaving behind my friends, school, church, and the perfect, tied-with-a-bow plan I had made for my life. On the other hand, it meant embracing the unknown and forging out into a territory few have been courageous enough to explore. I had no idea that it would not only be the single most amazing experience of my life, but that it would also lead me to a school that I am immensely proud to have attended. Continue reading

FLVS Corkboard: Summer Edition

By on June 10th, 2019

Ah, summer. It’s the ideal time for hanging out with friends, heading to the pool or the beach, soaking up the warm weather, enjoying cookouts, reading good books, and maybe taking a vacation with family. It’s been a great year, and you’ve earned a break!

“Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass on a summer day listening to the murmur of water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is hardly a waste of time.” – John Lubbock

In between all the fun, be sure take a few minutes to catch up on FLVS happenings! Continue reading

Friendships Formed through FLVS Full Time

By on April 19th, 2019

This post was written by 2018-19 FLVS Full Time Senior Class President, Carson Brown.

In February of this year, I had the privilege of meeting a friend in person on our schoolwide field trip to SeaWorld. The first interaction I had with my peer was online while participating in 2018 Shark Week – a virtual event hosted by our student council that consisted of five days devoted to networking for FLVS students. I watched the live chat as students showcased their Halloween costumes on “Wacky Wear Wednesday.” One particular comment that caught my eye was an unassuming, clear statement. I’ll never forget the words he wrote.

“This is so cool!” the comment began. “I have found my people.” Continue reading

Keeping the Student at the Center

By on April 10th, 2019

The 2017-18 school year marked the 20th anniversary of Florida Virtual School (FLVS). The 20-year anniversary of FLVS was not only a historic occasion for the first statewide Internet-based school in the United States, but also a significant and positive milestone for virtual education.

When founded in 1997, FLVS consisted of six teachers, four support staff, 77 enrollments, and six courses. The use of online education tools was still new for the high schoolers of 1997. Continue reading

Top 5 Myths About Online Learning

By on February 28th, 2019

As a child, did you ever play the game telephone? It starts when one person whispers something into another person’s ear and then the message is passed down from person to person. At the end, the message is completely different from what was first whispered. We see this a lot in real life. Unless a person experiences something for themselves, they really don’t know what their message will be!

Online learning has been around for more than 20 years now, but there are still some messages that have been passed down throughout the years that aren’t exactly the “real” message.

Continue reading

Tips for Online Elementary School Success

By on February 25th, 2019

Have you ever wondered if your child could be successful taking online courses? Maybe you have enrolled your son or daughter, but now what? Embarking on an online schooling journey can be, and probably is, life-changing.

If your child is currently enrolled with FLVS Flex Elementary or you’re considering online learning for his or her education, we have put together some must-know tips to get the most out of your FLVS experience. Continue reading

Behind the Scenes of our High School News Show

By on February 21st, 2019

The FLVS Full Time High School “Mega News Network” is our very own virtual Student Television Network. High school members of our club form part of the crew, creating and producing pre-recorded materials that include interviews, video spotlights, and vlogs to be broadcast during our livestreamed news show. If you attend FLVS Full Time, find more information about joining here. Continue reading

Student Shark Advocate Works with Legislators

By on February 13th, 2019

This post was written by FLVS student and Model United Nations club member James A. La Fayette Jr.

Sierra Boodhoo is a 16-year-old student on a mission to make a positive impact on society. After experiencing racial profiling and bullying at her previous school, she switched to FLVS Flex in 7th grade where her interest in marine biology began. Her interest was sparked when she watched an episode of Shark Week with shark nets. She kept the flame going and researched sharks despite discouragement from others due to age, gender, and other societal bias.

She was told, “You are just an 11-year-old girl. Quit sharks. Switch to something girly like ballet.” Continue reading

Florida’s Black History Month Contest

By on February 5th, 2019

A few years ago, I wrote a blog about the importance of celebrating Black History Month. It is with the same unyielding support of diversity education that I encourage participation in First Lady DeSantis’ Black History Month essay and art competition.

The theme of this year’s contest is “Celebrating Public Service” – an opportunity to honor an African American whose service has made Florida a better place for all to live – and to win a four-year Florida college scholarship!    Continue reading