Fine Arts

5 Ways Art Activities and Clubs Can Benefit You

By on March 14th, 2023

We’re excited to celebrate “Arts in Education” month! Did you know that the arts can play a very important role in your academic success? Research studies show that the arts engage students and increase learning and achievement. For example, students who participate in drama have increased reading readiness and word fluency in elementary grades, and continue to improve reading comprehension and writing skills through middle and high school. But that’s not all! Keep reading to discover five more ways art activities and clubs can benefit you.

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FLVS Artists in the Making!

By on May 11th, 2021

This article was originally written and published in the FLVS student newspaper, News in a Click.

When you think of famous art, you might think of the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci made in 1503. However, there are many growing artists in our very own Florida Virtual School! In this article, we will be acknowledging works of art made by talented FLVS students.

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FLVS Corkboard: March Highlights

By on March 20th, 2017

corkboard-coverIt’s March, and minus the cold snap madness, spring has sprung—and FLVS continues to sow seeds of learning!

While you may be rooted in the “here and now” of schoolwork and tasks to accomplish this semester, we understand that some of you may already be thinking of life after high school. For many, that may mean college. Or, maybe you think you’d like to go to college but aren’t sure if you “have what it takes” or if you can afford it.

Great news! If you are a student in Florida, you can learn how to prepare for college without leaving your home. (But we do recognize that leaving the home is ultimately the goal of every child—and their parents.)

Virtual College Week

You can explore the notion of college all from your living room if you make plans now to participate in Virtual College Week, April 4-6. Presented by FloridaShines, students and parents can get free expert advice on all things college-related, including the admissions process and financial aid. Gather important information, ask questions, hear from others—demystify college at no cost. Continue reading


Using Hamilton the Musical in the Classroom

By on September 28th, 2016

hamilton-blogThe winner of the 2016 Tony for Best Musical was “Hamilton,” an untraditional, hip-hop musical written by Lin-Manuel Miranda about the life of Alexander Hamilton.

The popularity of this musical is impossible to deny – and the most amazing thing is that this hip-hop soundtrack to a founding father’s life has captivated teenagers in a way perhaps no other musical ever has before.

There is no denying this musical crosses age and cultural gaps and has brought a new love for musical theater that is refreshing and powerful. Many teachers are using this incredible soundtrack to start discussions about our history and to reinvent how students study such an important time period.

It is possible teachers of any content could use Hamilton’s addictive appeal to energize their classrooms, but I will share some ideas specifically for English and History teachers. Continue reading


Meet FLVS Student Lauren Mackey

By on July 15th, 2016

LaurenMy first course with Florida Virtual School was M/J Language Arts II with Ms. Wilson.

At the time, I was in seventh grade and planning on majoring in English at New York University to pursue a career as an author. One of my Language Arts assignments had me writing a five paragraph essay about the definition of love, which I definitely had enough experience to write about at the age of 13.

When I presented the essay to Ms. Wilson over the phone, I recall her describing my essay as something she expected to hear from an adult, out of a magazine, and encouraging me to join the FLVS Newspaper Club, News In A Click (NIAC). Continue reading


A Peek through the Lens

By on June 6th, 2014

photography coverWhen our daughter was 9 years old, we enrolled her in the FLVS middle school (M/J) Creative Photography course. We thought since Ellie wasn’t getting the creative instruction in her traditional school curriculum (it seemed to be all test preparation in straight dull rows), she would be able to find that spark of inspiration through this online elective.

Little did we know the significant impact it would have on her and how this shy little girl would find her inner voice through her camera’s lens. Continue reading