Homeschool Edition
AIME, AMC, USAMO, Oh My!
By Guest Blogger on September 25th, 2013
The science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) field is rapidly growing. There are many programs and contests young students can become involved with to learn more about the different careers in STEM.
Many of these contests, however, are commonly recognized by their acronyms: AIME, AMC, USAMO. Few people outside the field know what these letters actually stand for. Each contest is part of the American Mathematic Competition Association (AMC). This group is devoted to growing mathematic understanding in the nation’s youth. Of the many contests, AIME, AMC, and USAMO are the most popular. Here are the contests behind the acronyms. Continue reading
#WhereIFLVS Photo Contest
By Florida Virtual School on September 11th, 2013
At the end of August, Florida Virtual School kicked off the 2013 student photo contest on social media. Running through September 22, the photo contest helps to engage students, encourage creativity, and create a buzz around social media as many of us dive into a new school year.
To participate in the contest, students may submit a photo related to the theme “Show us where you FLVS” via Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook. Students, friends, and family members can vote for their favorites and share photos with their own social networks. Kids can see when, where, and how other students work on their courses. By seeing the cool spaces and fun places where students study, it is plainly apparent that our FLVS students are just as diverse as the locations where they work. Continue reading
You Can Learn the Impossible
By admin on September 6th, 2013
They say the first step is admitting you have a problem, so here goes… I am a brain science junky. Ever since my team started doing research 18 months ago, I’ve been fascinated with the science behind how humans learn. But it’s not just me. I’m seeing the work of Carol Dweck, Paul Tough, Sian Beilock, and Heidi Grant Halvorson show up in all sorts of non-educational publications and places. Sure, I work at a school, so it’s natural for conversations to revolve around grit and growth mindset, but last week I overheard preschool moms discussing it at the supermarket. Continue reading
Why We Love Social Media
By Guest Blogger on August 19th, 2013
Social media has completely changed the way we communicate with each other. Maybe we’re guilty of accidentally referring to our friends by their Twitter handles in real life; spending all week finding the perfect photo for #ThrowbackThursday; doing something cool, just so that you can Instagram it; or using the word “Instagram” as a verb.
(I can just envision my former English teachers sighing in unison as they mark 10 points off this blog post.) Continue reading
Recipe for Success
By Amy LaGrasta on August 13th, 2013
I enjoy cooking and baking. Cooking allows me to try new things, experiment, add a dash of this, a pinch of that, and just get creative! It suits the rule-breaker in me as I don’t always like to follow recipes. Baking is a bit more of an exact science, some room for experimentation, but lots of room for error (if you don’t measure correctly). Baking keeps me on the straight and narrow as I’m rewarded with a yummy treat, but ONLY IF I follow directions. Continue reading
Can Five-Year-Olds Learn Virtually?
By Guest Blogger on August 8th, 2013
Did you know that there are seven times more words in today’s English language than in Shakespeare’s day? Students in the 21st century will have jobs that have not been created yet, for problems that haven’t been realized. Our world is changing! Education is changing too! Florida Virtual School (FLVS) is now teaching Kindergarten and First Grade in a way that we could not imagine 16 years ago. Can 5-year-olds learn virtually? YES! Continue reading
Student Perspective
By Guest Blogger on July 31st, 2013
Ever since I began high school, I never really wanted to enroll in P.E. at school (mile runs, 100 push-ups, etc.). I kept pushing it off to the side until 11th grade when I said, “I have to do it! If I don’t, I can’t graduate.” One day, my friends told me about Florida Virtual School.
Planning and Paying for Post-Secondary Education
By Guest Blogger on July 18th, 2013
As a School Counselor, I always know when summer is near by the number of seniors requesting guidance in preparation for the next stage of their lives. Whether it is reviewing transcripts, offering resources to research financial aid options, or discussing opportunities for college or technical schools, we delight in helping students transition into early adulthood! Recently, there has been a noticeable spotlight shined on the rising cost of post-secondary tuition and the rapid accumulation of student loan debt. Continue reading
Road Trip to the Next Exit!
By Guest Blogger on June 24th, 2013
Photo Credit: Next Exit History App
About four years ago, Apple launched the iTunes App Store and a little word that never existed in the Dictionary is something you now hear people of many generations saying…“there’s an app for that.”
If your family is like mine, your children are using the iPad (or a similar tablet) more and more each day. My now 5-year-old son was about 3 years old when he first picked up the iPad; it amazed me how he could not read, but could figure out how to play. I am always looking for fun apps that help my children learn without them realizing that they are learning. If you are like me, you are going to love this new app! Continue reading
I’ve Got the Magic in Me
By Guest Blogger on June 13th, 2013
Photo Credit: Walt Disney Corp.
We could all use a little more pixie dust in our lives, right? Have you ever had someone go the extra mile to make your day a million times better than it was before? If not, take a trip down to the most magical place on Earth…Walt Disney World. Employees, known as “cast members,” are trained to do nothing but make your experience one you will never forget. When you arrive at their hotels, you are greeted with “Welcome Home” because they want you to feel comfortable in your environment. Everyone seems to say hello with a smile on their face and if you need something, then they will take care of it…even before you ask. Continue reading