Student Voice
6 Ways to Handle School-Related Stress
By Guest Blogger on February 22nd, 2017
Stressed out about upcoming exams? Thinking ahead to AP or EOC (End-of-Course) exams? Graduating this year and still finishing scholarship essays or college applications?
Don’t stress! These tips from two 11th grade students at FLVS can help. Here’s what Tamar and Jade have to say to help you stay on track:
As students adjust to spring school schedules, the second semester often brings a higher level of stress. It can be very difficult to get used to having new subjects, new teachers, and going back to a structured routine.
Unfortunately, many students buckle under the pressure. If you are one of those students, don’t let stress become overwhelming!
Here are six quick ways to handle school-related stress. Continue reading
Meet FLVS Student Olivia McComb
By Guest Blogger on February 9th, 2017
This article was originally written and published in the FLVS student newspaper, News in a Click.
For FLVS student Olivia McComb, music is her life.
As a classic rock musician based in Sarasota, Florida, the 15-year-old has been singing “ever since she could talk.” Olivia has performed live at multiple venues singing both classic rock and 90’s music.
She says, “I entertained the idea of being a singer for many years, but when I was 11, I started taking the idea seriously and at 13 I started training my voice to sing professionally.”
A teen of many talents, Olivia primarily plays seven instruments: guitar, piano, drums and cajon, bass, ukulele and tambourine.
In addition, she enjoys writing her own songs and lyrics. “Playing around with progressions on guitar and piano is extremely fun.” Continue reading
Love and Respect Yourself and Those You Love
By Guest Blogger on February 6th, 2017
This is the eighth post in a series by former FLVS student Makaila, a model, author, and student advocate.
When I think of February, the first thing that pops into my mind is Valentine’s Day.
Go figure…
Valentine’s Day seems to be the only thing that people think about when February rolls around. Love is in the air (and sometimes the leap year is too), but more importantly, Valentine’s Day approaches and poses a dramatic urgency with questions like “Will I be single?” or “Do they like me?”
All questions that, at the time, seem to be the main focus.
I remember when I was in school, every Valentine’s Day my peers would anxiously await the teddy bears and notes that the SGA (Student Government) delivered to certain kids. The concept was something like a candy gram, but instead, you could be given a teddy bear and note. The whole thing was either anonymous or your crush would tell you over the note. Continue reading
Smell the Roses
By Guest Blogger on February 1st, 2017
This post was written by Cheyenne, a student in the FLVS Creative Writing Club, for her peers with a passion for writing.
I can say, more often than not, that I prefer to schedule as much of my day as I possibly can.
There have been instances when I throw organization to the wind and let the day lead me as it pleases, without so much as a pause to think about how little I completed during my waking hours.
Eventually, it began to wear on me how much time I seem to waste, but how little time I have to be productive. I have become accustomed to writing down my itinerary – scheduling my day minute by minute – simply because I can no longer stand the thought of letting a minute go by, unnamed and unused, in my day without purpose.
I discovered quickly, though, how easy it is to make a schedule but fall out of pace with it. I cannot give inspiration a time slot; like the butterflies in spring or the cool breath of winter, inspiration will come and go as it pleases. It may not visit me at all on some days, and therefore, the time I reserved for writing goes unused. Continue reading
A Writer’s Resolutions
By Guest Blogger on January 17th, 2017
This post was written by Olivia, a student in the FLVS Creative Writing Club.
I don’t usually make resolutions. I find that they often get forgotten amongst other priorities and the typical hustle and bustle of everyday life. But this year, I have made a few resolutions that I hope to keep – all involving writing and its influence on my life.
Amidst the typical busy schedule of academics, extracurricular activities, clubs, school events and preparing for college, it can be extremely difficult to dedicate time to creativity. I have found that it often gets left on the back burner: an afterthought among more pressing obligations.
As an involved student, this issue affected my writing process for far too long. I often found myself staying up scribbling ideas in a notebook or waking up early to try to fit writing into my schedule in 2016. In light of the New Year, I am excited to dedicate more time to my creative process as I move into the final stages of editing my novel. Continue reading
Kick the New Year’s Resolution for Something Better
By Guest Blogger on January 4th, 2017
This is the seventh post in a series by former FLVS student Makaila, a model, author, and student advocate.
Ah…the New Year. It seems to be that every New Year, we set our expectations so high we surely cannot keep them.
Well, not this year!
Instead, set the bar high for yourself in 2017– but keep it attainable. Better yet, instead of having some New Year’s resolution that we both know won’t last, focus on something that matters – your dreams.
Ask yourself, what is it that you want to accomplish this year? Do you want to chase your dreams and be the best you can in school? Maybe your vision is elsewhere, America’s Next Top Model…or perhaps an X-Games stunt driver?
No matter what your dream is, focus your efforts on how to get there.
When I was younger, New Year’s became my “crunch time.” Continue reading
Holiday Truths
By Guest Blogger on December 12th, 2016
This is the sixth post in a series by former FLVS student Makaila, a model, author, and anti-bullying advocate.
The holiday season is upon us, which means two things. One, the holidays are almost here, but more importantly, winter break is closer than you think.
Let this winter break be one that will go down in history as one of your most productive times of the year. After your finals or year-end assignments, sit back and relax and hangout with those who mean something special to you.
The past year may have been rough, and at times like this, it is perfect to reflect on those who have stuck by your side through thick and thin. And for those who haven’t, maybe this is the perfect time to let go so you can start fresh in the new year. Weed out the negative people in your life, and appreciate the right ones.
Take time this holiday season to learn and reflect on the things you wish you could have changed, like relationships and other endeavors…or even if you procrastinated a little too much. But wait – if you are focused on becoming better next year (which is so close), you may wonder “What did I do wrong?” Well, we all do things wrong. No one is perfect and now is a great time to realize that. Continue reading
Ups and Downs of Friendship
By Guest Blogger on November 15th, 2016
This is the fifth post in a series by former FLVS student Makaila, a model, author, and anti-bullying advocate.
It’s finally November, a time to be grateful for everything that we have. I am grateful for so much in my life: my family, pets, opportunities, and friends.
However, in this particular case, I am so grateful for my friends.
I haven’t always had the best of luck when it comes to lasting friendships. When we are young, we want to believe that every relationship we form will last forever, and clearly, that just isn’t the case. At first it hurts, realizing that someone will not always be there for you. Unfortunately, that is what happens when it comes to life. But I have learned that people come into your life with a purpose; once fulfilled, they have done their part in making you, you.
This isn’t to say that you will not find your forever friends – rest assured you will have a few. Continue reading
No Bull
By Guest Blogger on October 26th, 2016
This is the fourth post in a series by former FLVS student Makaila, a model, author, and anti-bullying advocate.
Did you know October is National Anti-Bullying Month?
Let’s be honest. How many of you have suffered at the hands of a bully but chose to do nothing about it?
I’ve been there too.
As a matter of fact, when I was 14, I was bullied unmercifully.
It all started when I began modeling and I had to lose weight. At 5’11 and a weight of 135 pounds, one wouldn’t expect to be told to “lose 10.” But, I had to – and let me start off by saying it was beyond difficult.
I no longer could eat potato chips, ice cream, or other foods I once loved so dearly. Instead, I munched on veggies, protein, and more veggies. I was proud of myself for establishing some self-control and saw the pounds melting off, but my peers thought I was crazy. My once former “friends” (and I use that term loosely) became some of my biggest opponents. Continue reading
Meet our 2016 Photo Contest Winners
By Florida Virtual School on October 10th, 2016
Over the last several weeks, FLVS students have been sharing what makes them unique in our fall photo contest on social media.
Using Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook, participants were asked to submit a photo showing what makes them one-of-a-kind using #IAMFLVS.
It was truly inspiring to see so many entries (including many of our new elementary students!) and hear all of your stories. We also enjoyed following the journey of several students who participated in our contest in years past!
We loved hearing how the flexibility of FLVS allows you to be yourself and follow your dreams.
As we have in previous contests, three winners were selected…one at random, one by our judges, and one by popular vote.
And now, we’re excited to present them to you!