Student Edition
5 Tips for a Great Summer
By Guest Blogger on June 29th, 2017
It’s finally here!
Summer is in full swing, and if you’re a student, that most likely means no schoolwork and no intensive schedule to follow.
You’re ready to relax as you’ve worked hard and earned this welcomed break. It may feel like summer will last forever and that you’ll have plenty of time to do all those things you think of doing during the school year.
But while summer is a nice stretch of time, June, July, and August go all too quick…
(Can you believe it’s almost July already?)
So to make the most of the endless sunshine, here are five thoughts on how to make your summer great. Continue reading
FLVS Corkboard: June Highlights
By Florida Virtual School on June 20th, 2017
Hey students and parents—Summer’s in full swing and we have some sun-sational tidbits to share!
But first, a few reminders…
Mark your calendar for the upcoming holiday! In observance of Independence Day, the week of July 3rd (July 3-7) has been designated a holiday break for all FLVS instructors and support staff. The Customer Service Center will be closed on Monday, July 4 only. Students are encouraged to continue their studies as courses remain open, but please be mindful that there will be a brief delay in teacher response. Have a wonderful and safe holiday!
Planning to take FLVS courses this summer? There’s still time to sign up, but don’t delay. Start by browsing our featured summer courses.
Ready to get started? Sign up today! Continue reading
AP Classes vs. Dual Enrollment
By Guest Blogger on June 15th, 2017
This article was originally written and published in the FLVS student newspaper, News in a Click.
It’s a common question among high school students and their parents: AP classes or dual enrollment?
While there is no right answer for every student, each individual might find that one or both of these options suits them best. Each choice allows students to be challenged by rigorous classes, obtain college credit, improve their college applications and save money on college tuition costs. However, location, qualification requirements, method of obtaining college credit, class offerings and costs differ.
AP, or Advanced Placement, classes are created by AP development committees for the College Board. Each AP class has its own development committee comprised of six or seven high school and college instructors from around the country. The classes (including online Advanced Placement courses) and their respective exams are meant to reflect the curriculum students would encounter in a college-equivalent of that class’ subject, while in a high school setting. Continue reading
College and Beyond
By Guest Blogger on June 9th, 2017
This is the twelfth post in a series by former FLVS student Makaila, a model, author, and student advocate.
Hey FLVS teens! As you look ahead to your final year(s) of high school, the next couple of years may seem challenging. You may spend most of your time focusing on studying or on making straight As. It can be a challenge, and some days it can seem impossible.
I can assure you – it’s possible and you can do it (and if worse comes to worst, then a few Bs or even Cs may not be the end of the world).
So, what’s the next step? College.
It may seem so far away, and that’s what I thought in high school too. But it’s not. It is way closer than you think.
Before you know it, you’ll be going on college tours (try to schedule a few this summer!) and getting merchandise from schools you may not even attend in the end. I know I did. I only went on one college tour, and that was to Florida State. Turns out I wouldn’t get into Florida State, so here I am to this very day with shirts, hats, and mugs that I refuse to use. Continue reading
Reflections from the Class of 2017
By Guest Blogger on June 7th, 2017
This post was written by 2016-17 FLVS Full Time National Honor Society President, Olivia Horne.
Family and friends – thank you for providing unwavering support, love and encouragement as we pursue our futures.
Teachers and staff – thank you for making those futures possible through your ability to make lifelong learning fun and our dreams accessible.
Fellow graduates – congratulations! From DBAs, to lives lessons, from collaborations to finals, we have each worked incredibly hard. We did it.
As we reach the end of our high school careers, it is only natural for us to reflect upon what led us here. And while our personal histories might differ greatly, we do have one thing in common: the community that is FLVS.
We, Class of 2017, have pursued our education on our own terms. We are the trailblazers, the innovative digital learners, those who are not afraid to take the path less traveled. We have dared to be different. We, Class of 2017, have proven our possession of the invaluable ability to define our own futures. Continue reading
Looking Back On Our Senior Year
By Guest Blogger on June 5th, 2017
This post was written by FLVS Full Time Senior Class President, Mari Nicole Rosales.
Senior Class President Mari Rosales with Marketing Leader Bryanna Maturen
Last Tuesday, May 30, 2017, marked the end of our high school chapter in the book that we call life.
Long gone are the days of DBAs and Blackboard live lessons. Now the time has come for us to begin our next chapter. As virtual school students, we have had quite the journey throughout high school. We are innovators and changemakers of tomorrow. Because of this, the future is limitless. It is now our turn to empower the world one step at a time with our words and actions.
As many of you know, the Florida Virtual School mascot is our lovely friend, Megabyte, the friendly robotic shark. He graces our school t-shirts and reminds us to keep on pace with our courses. Technically speaking, one megabyte is one million bytes of information. Each Florida Virtual School student is a megabyte. Gaining one million bytes of information is no easy task. As megabytes, we have learned how to be proactive, creative, and resourceful. These one million bytes we have gained from virtual school will last a lifetime. Continue reading
FLVS Full Time Honors Graduating Seniors at Commencement
By Guest Blogger on May 30th, 2017
FLVS Full Time, our statewide online public school option for students in grades Kindergarten-12, will host their high school commencement ceremony today at 3 p.m. at the CFE Arena, located on the campus of the University of Central Florida.
FLVS Full Time will graduate more than 750 students, the school’s largest class to date. Approximately 385 students from across the state are expected to attend the commencement ceremony for the traditional march. Family, friends, teachers, and representatives from FLVS Full Time will celebrate the students’ successes, with remarks from FLVS Full Time Senior Class President Mari Rosales and National Honor Society President Olivia Horne.
The FLVS Full Time Class of 2017 has been awarded more than $1.3 million in scholarships, and more than 60 percent of the graduates plan to attend two- or four-year colleges or universities. Notable college acceptances include Brigham Young, University of Central Florida, Columbia, Cornell, University of Florida, Florida State University, University of Miami, Penn State, Stanford, Texas A&M, and Vanderbilt. Continue reading
Military Crossroads with Career and Technical Education (CTE)
By Florida Virtual School on May 26th, 2017
Michael Francis, U.S. Army Sergeant
From 2000 to 2004, I was an active duty Soldier in the United States Army and have been in the Florida Army National Guard since 2005.
There are many parts of my military career that stand out in my memory. Basic training, my drill sergeant during the hot summer at Fort Jackson, being in my promotion board during the September 11 attacks, being deployed during multiple state emergencies, and so much more. Most recently, and regardless of political platform, I was honored to play a role in our democracy by providing security support for the 2017 Presidential Inauguration in D.C.
However, these memories and events are not what changed me the most.
Instead, it is the military’s connection with CTE that has been the most valuable. That connection positively affected my personal life, my educational pursuits, and my civilian career.
Although military life is not for everyone, the skills and knowledge that are integrated within CTE are for everyone, whether an Army future is in the cards or not.
FLVS Corkboard: May Highlights
By Florida Virtual School on May 19th, 2017
“Another May new buds and flowers shall bring: Ah! why has happiness no second Spring?” ― Charlotte Smith
We don’t know about you, but we’re getting excited that summer is almost here! We are so incredibly happy that you’ve been a part of the FLVS family—it’s been an awesome year and there’s been much to celebrate.
FLVS Selects New President & CEO
The FLVS Board of Trustees is happy to announce the appointment of Dr. Jodi Marshall, Executive Vice President, Business and School Solutions, as the new President and CEO of FLVS effective July 1, 2017. Dr. Marshall, a visionary leader and innovator who embodies the values of FLVS, will work together with Ronald Blocker to ensure a smooth transition upon his departure June 30.
Dr. Marshall has held many positions leading up to her current role over Business and School Solutions including English instructor, Principal, and Vice President of Instruction, since she joined the FLVS family in 2002. Her experience and her dedication to our students, parents, schools, and districts will allow her to continue to drive FLVS forward. Continue reading
The Close of a Chapter: Plugging into the Virtual Community
By Guest Blogger on May 19th, 2017
This post was written by Olivia, a student in the FLVS Creative Writing Club.
As I near the end of my high school career, I can’t help but think about all of the wonderful memories and lifelong friends that I have made through FLVS.
As a writer, I have been able to thrive in clubs like Creative Writing Club, News in a Click and NEHS. I have participated in Poetry Read-Ins, Shakespeare Festivals and Celebrate Literacy Month. I have also had the invaluable opportunity to collaborate with immensely talented writers and highlight student work through Open Mics. These experiences have greatly enriched my writing and provided inspiration that I will carry with me when I go to college.
In my final [Creative Writing Club] blog post, I wanted to remind you of the power of plugging into our virtual community. By getting involved in FLVS clubs and activities, you are introduced to a world of inspiration. Continue reading