The Virtual Voice

Homeschool Edition

Helping Our Captains Succeed with FLVS Elementary

By on March 12th, 2019

Learn more about one home educator’s FLVS Flex Elementary experience with her young student filmmakers and ambassadors dubbed “The Captains.” Whether your child has been enrolled for a few years or you’re new to FLVS, these tips can help your elementary student succeed!

As a mother and grandmother, the responsibility of educating our 8-year-old son, Captain A, and 7-year-old grandson, Captain SySy, weighs heavy on my heart and mind as their home educator. The world is not always a perfect place and people can be unkind, so our family strives every day to help our Captains be the best human beings they can be!

I am beyond grateful for our partnership with FLVS on our Captains’ education. The FLVS Flex Elementary team not only cares about making a difference and helping them to succeed in their educational lives, but also about their personal successes as future leaders. They have been a huge network of support in our Captains’ volunteering world.

The truth is, it isn’t always easy being a homeschool educator! Continue reading

Whispers About Online Learning: 5 Misconceptions

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.

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Celebrating College & Career-Ready Students

By on February 26th, 2019

From contests to clubs, FLVS offers a variety of ways to learn about coding and computer science, including online technology courses that develop the skills students need for the careers of tomorrow.

Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses combine academics and the real world, providing hands-on learning that puts students at the center of the action. CTE also helps develop critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills, which means students are better prepared for college and career life.

As we wrap up CTE Month at the end of February, we want to celebrate several student participants who wowed us with their entries in our recent #FLVSCodes contest. Continue reading

Tips for Online Elementary Students to Succeed

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

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

Congrats to our #FLVSCodes Contest Winners

By on February 1st, 2019

February is Career and Technical Education Month – a time to recognize the importance of practical skills students need to succeed in the real world.

In support of this same goal, FLVS recently held an online photo and video contest encouraging students to share their love for coding and computer science. The entries featured students participating in a variety of STEM-related activities, from programming robots to participating in an Hour of Code. Continue reading

FLVS Activity Sheets & Printables

By on January 30th, 2019

Did you know that coloring repetitive patterns can help the brain focus and build new connections? The simple act of coloring can improve your mood, reduce stress, and help young children develop fine motor skills. Combine the benefits of coloring with fun facts about FLVS with any of the following printables.

Geared for students of all ages, these worksheets are a fun way to show your virtual school spirit. Stick them up on the fridge, bring them along on your next extracurricular activity, or print them off at your local school, library, or community center. You can even create a bookmark or a paper airplane to fold and fly across the room!

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