Parent Edition

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

Preparing for Rain

By Guest Blogger on August 22nd, 2013

When people hear Common Core State Standards (CCSS), they immediately fall onto one side or the other in the great debate that is Common Core. Many stakeholders, parents, teachers, and administrators are for it, while many are railing against this large-scale change.

What do I think about it? I think at the end of the day, it is change. When it comes to change, no one is truly comfortable. We can believe what we want to believe, but we can’t stop progress and we can’t halt change. 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

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

Florida Virtual School’s Inaugural Graduation Ceremony: FLVS Full Time, Class of 2013

By Guest Blogger on June 10th, 2013

FLVS Full Time Graduation Ceremony, Class of 2013

I’ve been asked a lot of questions about Full Time Virtual Schooling, especially as a senior. I feel now is a good time to let the world know the answers since I have completed high school and graduated from FLVS Full Time (FT).

One misconception is that people think I wouldn’t know my teachers or have much contact with them. Continue reading

The Foundation for Florida Virtual School 2013 Outstanding Scholars

By Guest Blogger on June 6th, 2013

Foundation for FLVS volunteers at 2012 Golf Fore! Virtual Learning Tournament held to raise money for scholarships and other student programs

Congratulations to The Foundation for Florida Virtual School 2013 Outstanding Scholars! This year’s $1,000 scholarship recipients are Ariana Beyer (FLVS Part Time and Douglas Anderson School of the Arts), Leah Colucci (FLVS Part Time and Fort Myers High School), Karina Bodnieks (FLVS Full Time), Amber Bingle (Homeschool), and Marisa Kastner (Homeschool).

The Foundation scholarships were established to recognize outstanding students enrolled in Florida Virtual School (FLVS) who have achieved positive academic records and have gone above and beyond the expectations of a high school student. Continue reading