Student 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
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
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
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
Celebrate National Internet Safety Month
By Guest Blogger on June 3rd, 2013
Get ready to post your party photos on Instagram because The National Cyber Security Alliance is recognizing June as National Internet Safety month.
This is no big deal for teachers and students living in the virtual school world because they celebrate Internet safety every day. However, for the rest of you, I offer up a few helpful tips to keep you safe online (tips courtesy of the new Social Media course offered by Florida Virtual School). Continue reading
Set SMART Goals
By Amy LaGrasta on May 23rd, 2013
There are five things to consider when setting goals. They should be: specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely; hence the acronym SMART.
SPECIFIC
Is your goal clearly written, easily understood, and straightforward? A goal to simply “lose weight” or “eat healthy” is not specific. Instead, clearly specify the outcome. “I will lose five pounds by May 15.” “I will eat five servings of fruits and vegetables daily.” Being specific allows us to clearly focus on what we accomplish. Continue reading