Parent Edition
FLVS Corkboard: Summer Highlights
By The Virtual Voice on June 22nd, 2018
Here’s a summer riddle for you: “When do you go at red and stop at green?”
Answer: When you’re eating a slice of watermelon!
Summertime is here and that could mean taking a trip somewhere, spending time at the beach or pool, going to cookouts, watching movies, reading, or hanging out and visiting family and friends. Or maybe you’re taking a summer class or two with FLVS to work ahead or catch up. Whatever the case may be, leave some time for science fun. Check out these fun science activities for all ages to stay busy this summer! Continue reading
Myths about Homeschooling with FLVS Flex
By Anne Flenner on June 20th, 2018
Choosing to homeschool your student with FLVS Flex is a big decision. However, knowing the facts can put a family’s mind at ease as they choose a learning environment that is best for their student.
Below are three common myths about home education with FLVS Flex. Continue reading
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
The New Elementary: Online Learning for Grades K-5
By Guest Blogger on June 12th, 2018
Duck, duck, goose…I spy…finger painting…counting to 10…following the leader…
These activities are instinctively elementary. So, what happens when such a tangible experience goes virtual? It gets personal!
In 2018, FLVS is introducing a new 48-course elementary curriculum that includes English Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, Spanish, Art, and Technology. From Kindergarten through 5th grade, all these courses have a few things in common: they’re hands-on, empowering, and designed with elementary students in mind. Each course incorporates activities students can do in their own home, encourages them to use their personal experiences to power their learning, and includes plenty of teacher time to support individual students. It doesn’t get more personal than that. Continue reading
New Elementary Option Now Open!
By The Virtual Voice on June 11th, 2018
FLVS is excited to be introducing a new learning experience as part of FLVS Flex, allowing our youngest students to take online elementary courses anytime during the year. If you have a child in Kindergarten through 5th grade, sign him or her up today for one or more courses to start as early as August 2018.
Have a younger sibling at home? Let your parents know about this new flexible option! Continue reading
Differences between FLVS Flex and FLVS Full Time
By Anne Flenner on June 8th, 2018
“Every child has a different learning style and pace. Each child is unique, not only capable of learning but also capable of succeeding.” – Robert John Meehan
Florida Virtual School began as an experiment to see if online learning could be tailored to students’ needs to help them succeed. Today, FLVS offers two distinct programs with the same shared goal: addressing the unique learning needs of every child.
As school counselors, we are often asked about the differences between FLVS Full Time and FLVS Flex. Parents want to know which option is best for their child. As they are very different programs, it’s important for families to understand their options and choose the one that will best fit their student.
Don’t miss the infographic at the bottom of this post to help in your decision-making! 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