West Clermont Virtual Academy

Summer School In School

At Home Horizons

Virtual Academy Information Sheet Laura Nazzarine- Director of Student Services Brian Wallace- Director of Virtual Academy (943-5075) To Login: www.apexvs.com In-School Virtual Academy times during the school year. Monday through Thursday Morning Session: 7:15 am-10:30 am Afternoon Session: 11:00 am- 2:15 pm

*Virtual Summer School for credit recovery or enhancement.June 9 - June 27, 2014, four days per weekChoice + Two sessions per day (Session one) 8:00 am - 10:00 am (Session two) 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Fees Summary

Full time Virtual Academy in-school or at-home is free Individual APEX courses taken voluntarily for orginal credit are $200 each Individual APEX credit-recovery courses assigned by the Principal for students who

qualify for the federal free or reduced lunch program are free Individual APEX credit-recovery courses assigned by the Principal for second-year high

school students who are two or more credits deficient are free Individual APEX credit-recovery courses for other students are $200 each *Summer school for credit recovery or enhancement is $200 per class

Overview

What is the Virtual Academy?

In an effort to meet the needs of a diverse student body, West Clermont offers the Virtual Academy -- a progressive, competency-based online approach to learning -- that will assist students in receiving or recovering class credit in an innovative technology-infused setting. By using small classes and technology, the Virtual Academy provides students with a positive learning environment in which their goals and aspirations will become realities.

Each student’s option is unique, some may supplement their traditional schedule with on-line course(s) at home or during a study hall period; others, enroll in the Academy full-time and may/or may not transition back to the traditional high school at year-end; and extraordinary circumstances may create a need for a student to work entirely from home, reporting only bi-monthly to the virtual classroom for a review of their progress.

Who Can Attend The Virtual Academy?

West Clermont is committed to the success of all students. At-risk students experience difficulty with the traditional high school setting due to social or academic concerns, attendance issues, medical reasons, and others. Below is the reference-based criteria used for acceptance into our Academy:

Poor Attendance in the traditional classroom

Over-Age for Grade Level

Multiple Failures

Lacking Motivation to Learn

Unsuccessful/Overwhelmed in Traditional Classroom

Lacking Respect for Self/Others

Experiencing Learning Difficulties

Experiencing Social/Emotional Problems

Negative Behavior at School and/or Home

Health Concerns

Overview - Continued

What Are the Procedures to Submit an Application?

In-School Virtual requires the student, parent, or staff member to contact the student’s high school counselor to initiate the referral process. Once the referral is made, the student’s counselor will make a determination if it is appropriate to move to the next level. If so, an application to the Virtual Academy will be given to the student/parent to fill out and asked to be returned to the counselor. The school counselor forwards the completed application to Brian Wallace, Virtual Academy Director. Refer to the flowcharts on the following pages for more information.

Credit-Recovery Virtual (emphasis on second-year 9th graders) is a principal-counselor assignment. The high school principal and designated counselor meet to discuss individual student failures. If a student is credit deficient, his or her schedule may be revised to include virtual recovery class periods through the Virtual Academy, by dropping elective courses. Credit Recovery is also a possibility with new students enrolling into West Clermont, OGT remediation, and fifth-year students. Refer to the flowcharts on the following pages for more information.

At-Home Virtual is to serve students who are experiencing severe medical, emotional, or psychological problems that precludes participation in traditional school or the In-School Virtual Academy. The application is submitted to student’s counselor or the Virtual Academy Director. Involved staff will be

consulted before deciding on approval. This option may be implemented at a student’s expulsion hearing. Refer to the flowcharts on the following pages for more information.

Horizons is used in Special Education for credit recovery and/or earning original credit(s). The APEX Program can be modified to accommodate different learning styles to meet individual student needs. The Special Education staff will make decisions for the Horizons Program.

In-School Virtual Academy

Parent Student Teacher

Counselor

Application Completed

Brian Wallace gathers information for eligibility from involved staff (Teacher, Principal, Counselor, Special Ed. Supervisor, Curriculum Director, etc.)

Brian Wallace works with school counselor

to arrange meeting with Student/Parent

Brian Wallace notifies Laura Nazzarine, Principal, Counselor, Secretary, and Parents.Student returns to traditional classroom.

Not Eligible Eligible

Brian Wallace holds rules meeting with parents and students – contract signed

If Special Ed., IEP adapted for LRE

School counselor double-checks credits and selects classes for student. Teacher enrolls student in classes selected by counselor.

Brian Wallace notifies Laura Nazzarine, Principal, Counselor, Secretary, Virtual Teacher and Parents.

Credit Recovery in Virtual Academy

Schedule revised –Elective courses dropped Core Credit Recovery classes added

Student reports to Credit Recovery Virtual classroom during assigned class period.

Parent, Students, and Virtual Teacher notified of schedule change

Return to the traditional classroom Work on another class or OGT Remediation

Cashier notifies Principal, Teacher, and Counselor of payment

If fee required, payment to HS cashier If no fee

required

Upon Completion

(Determined by Time of Semester)

Principal and Counselor Discuss Student’s Credit Deficiencies and

decide on action

At-Home Virtual Academy

Parent Student

Counselor

Application Forwarded

Not Eligible Eligible

Brian Wallace contacts Parent/Student, School Counselor, and Virtual Teacher. School counselor double-checks credits and selects classes for student. Teacher enrolls student in classes selected by Counselor.

Brian Wallace contacts Parent/Student and School Counselor

Follow Through Duration of School Year

EXIT INTERVIEW

Brian Wallace gathers information from involved staff (counselor, principal, curriculum director, special education supervisor, teacher, etc.)

Discussion with Director of Student Services

Potential options for students who have failed a class

Repeat the

course in

traditional

classroom

Make-up the

course in

Virtual Summer

School

Make-up the

course in In-

School Virtual

Credit Recovery

Make-up the

course through

At--Home Virtual

Credit Recovery

Credit Recovery Plan

First priority -- second-year ninth graders

In the spring of the year, every ninth grader schedules for tenth-grade classes. In August the principal

goes through end-of-year ninth-grade academic histories. Principal and Counselor(s) will meet and

discuss individual failures. If a student is deficient 3-4 courses, the counselor re-schedules the student

into two semester periods with the virtual school instructor—dropping two elective semester classes from

his/her original 10th-grade schedule.

If a student is deficient 1-2 course(s), the student is removed from one elective semester class and re-

assigned to one semester period with the virtual school instructor.

Students and parents are notified at the beginning of the new school year of these changes. Should the

student finish the APEX course(s) before the end of the semester, he/she will remain in the Credit

Recovery classroom and begin a new class or work on OGT remediation until the end of the semester.

Principals and Counselors may work together during the school year for this same purpose.

Second priority – seniors needing additional course(s)

This is the same basic process as above. Occasionally a senior will be withdrawn from a course because

of failing marks from a fourth quarter required English IV class and placed into English credit recovery.

Principal may bar students who credit recovery their senior English class to “walk” at graduation.

Although the student begins to recover this class midway through 4th quarter, he or she is may not be

allowed to “walk.”

Next served – new enrollees/sophomores (juniors who are credit deficient are served by In-

School Virtual Program)

OGT Remediation is a big part of Credit Recovery, especially in the second semester.

Fifth-Year Students may be given the opportunity to finish their APEX classes in the fall of the

year before October Count.

Students Involved with the Justice System

Students under Probation or Incarcerated

Students under the guidance of probation officers have certain requirements mandated by the courts.

Often times probation officers will call or visit wanting information regarding attendance, discipline, and

progress reports. Normally, PO’s can be a big help keeping students on the “right track” meeting

graduation requirements and maintaining proper conduct.

Full cooperation is required with representatives of the court system!

In some instances, students may end up being incarcerated. The Clermont County Detention Center

(2340 Clermont Center Drive, Batavia, OH 45103) has two licensed teachers on staff working with

students. Virtual education allows incarcerated students to continue their school work without disruption.

Our contact person at CCDS is: Sarah Johnson, Coordinator of Educational Services.

The guideline for a student placed in CCDC is generally 30 days. This time frame creates a substantial

lapse in a student’s education and warrants placement into the Virtual Academy. Parental approval is

always needed.

Some students are referred from the courts to attend Clermont Recovery Center (1088 Wasserman Way,

Suite C, Batavia, OH 45103-1974) for Adolescent Day Treatment. If the referral is lengthy, Dave

Elberfeld, Academic Coordinator, contacts the high school counselor and Brian Wallace, to schedule on-

line courses.

A Student’s Dismissal from the Centers

Brian Wallace, Laura Nazzarine, Principal, and Counselor will work together to make a determination on

whether the student will return to the traditional classroom, In-school Virtual Academy, or At-home

Virtual Academ

Teacher Procedures for In-School Virtual Academy Teachers will create student accounts and enroll students in classes only after obtaining direction from the

school counselor and/or the Virtual Academy Director. When students complete a course, teachers will

print verification from APEX, inform the student’s counselor and the school registrar of the grade, and

withdraw the student form the course. Teacher will keep records of all of these transactions.

Teachers will keep attendance records, monitor student productivity, assist students with content when

necessary, inform students frequently of their progress toward course completion and graduation

requirements, contact parents frequently, build positive rapport and encourage students.

On Fridays, students making up absences will report to the morning session. Teachers are expected to

contact parents of At-home Virtual students, including occasional face-to-face meetings, and send

progress-reporting emails or letters to In-school Virtual parents.

An extremely important concern for the continuation of the Virtual Academy is maintaining its

integrity and validity. It is imperative to do everything in your power to assure that each individual

student is doing his/her own work.

Protect Your Username and Password

Under NO circumstances give a student your username or password!

When logging in, assure that no student is watching you—it only takes a couple of times for a student to

remember your codes. Never write it down where it might be visible to a “wondering” eye.

Change Your Password Once a Month

For security purposes, change your password at least once per month. If you have suspicion that a student

may have obtained access to it—CHANGE IT!

Substitute teachers will need login credentials to re-set quizzes and tests for students. Upon your return to

school, replace the username and password.

Change Students’ Passwords Once a Month

Students are not always careful about securing their own login credentials. It is too easy for a student to

access another’s information.

Tests and Exams Taken in the Classroom

It may be necessary to require that all assessments and exams be completed within the classroom, while

allowing quizzes to be completed at school or at home.

Withdraw Students from Completed Classes

BEFORE withdrawing the student from a particular class, make sure you have submitted the student’s

grade to the registrar for entry into his/her academic history.

Make sure to withdraw students completely from completed course so they will not have the option of

“sharing” their completed work with another student.

Classroom Settings in APEX

You can control specific APEX features by using the settings in Grade Book.

Mastery Level should be set at 60%.

Question Randomization should be selected.

Enforce Closed Book Assessments should not be selected.

Show Question Feedback should not be selected.

In-School Virtual Academy Rules and Expectations

Due to the severity of any violations of the rules listed below, it is important that you clearly understand and agree before

acceptance into the Academy is finalized:

Attendance is mandatory four days per week Monday through Thursday. If a day is missed, the student is expected to come to class on Friday morning to make-up the absence. Both student and parent MUST call the instructor if a student is going to be absent.

Daily completion of 3 quizzes or other clear evidence of productive work is expected every day.

OGTs: If a student has not passed or taken any section(s) of the OGT, the student must attend class Friday mornings for OGT remediation, starting 5 weeks before the OGT.

Cheating absolutely prohibited! Going to other internet sites while testing;

Copying answers; Having someone else do your work, etc.

Consequences:

First offense, a grade of zero will be entered and the student must begin the lesson from the beginning; Second offense, suspension; Third offense, expulsion.

Distractions are NOT permitted during class time: game playing, music, talking, etc. Respect and Courtesy is shown to everyone in the lab—at all times.

Leaving the Classroom / A student is NOT permitted in the hall ways during class changes, nor in the lunchroom at any time.

Communication! Make sure the instructor is informed. Parents are encouraged to get to know the instructor and share any issues important to their child’s success. The “TEAM” approach works to everyone’s advantage! No classes taken through West Clermont Virtual Academy will be weighted on a student’s GPA. NCAA Be aware that the NCAA may not accept courses completed through the Virtual Academy.

Parents and students have contact access to the instructor, five days per week, from 7:15 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. (by phone, email or in person). Students and parents should be aware of class standing at ALL times! A weekly progress report is sent electronically through APEX to individual parents..

In-School Virtual Academy gives each student the opportunity to be in control; virtual education is only successful when structure and discipline are enforced at home, as well as school

Acceptable Use and Internet Safety

*Students shall not attempt to read, delete, copy, or modify or forge other students’ work. Doing so may result in termination from the Virtual Academy Program.

*Students shall report any security problem or misuse of the network to the instructor immediately. *Always use appropriate language. Do not use profanity, obscenity or other language which may be offensive to other users, illegal activities are strictly forbidden. *Never reveal your personal home address or phone number or those of other students or colleagues. *E-mail is prohibited, as is any intention of wasting system resources or materials. Network and internet access is provided as a tool for educational purposes. The District reserves the right to monitor, inspect, copy, review and store at any time without prior notice any and all usage of the computer. *Use of the computer and/or network is not for personal or financial gain or for any commercial or illegal activity. *The network should not be used in such a way that it disrupts the use of the network by others. *All communication and information accessible via the network should be assumed to be the property of the West Clermont School District. *The user in whose name an on-line service account issued is responsible for its proper use at all times. Users shall keep personal User ID’s and Passwords. Users shall keep personal account numbers, home addresses and telephone numbers private at all times. *The system shall be used only for purposes related to APEX education. The administration reserves the right to monitor any computer activity and on-line communications for improper use. *Users shall not use the system to encourage the use of drugs, alcohol or tobacco nor shall anyone promote unethical practices or any activity prohibited by law or Board Policy. *Users shall not view download or transmit material that is threatening, obscene, disruptive or sexually explicit or that could be construed as harassment or disparagement of others based on their race, national origin, citizenship status, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion or political beliefs *Copyrighted material may not be placed on the system without the author’s permission.

*Vandalism results in the cancellation of user privileges. Vandalism includes uploading/downloading any inappropriate material, creating computer viruses and/or any malicious attempt to harm or destroy equipment or materials or the data of any other use.

__________________________________________(Student Signature) _______________(Date)

Virtual Academy Dress Code The Dress Code for all Virtual Academy students is the same as it is for students in the traditional school setting. Part of the total education of the students is learning to dress appropriately and behave responsibly in a variety of situations. As part of the educational process, all students are expected to appear at school in reasonable, neat, safe, and appropriate attire for the academic environment. Clothing or make-up that detracts from the educational environment is out of place in the school setting. The determination for acceptable dress lies with the administration. The following regulations will assist in determining appropriate student standards for dress and personal appearance while at school:

1. Parents and students maintain responsibility for their dress and personal appearance. 2. When dress or grooming interfere with cleanliness, health, welfare, or safety of students, or

disrupts the educational process by being distracting, offensive, indecent, or inappropriate, it is prohibited.

3. The administrators, with the assistance of the Virtual Academy instructor, have the responsibility of uniformly administering the dress code.

4. Violation of the dress code could result in removal from the classroom until the violation can be resolved and/or disciplinary action taken.

5. Clothing, jewelry, tattoos, and other personal items are not permitted which specifically or generally contain, promote, glorify, or refer to:

a. Alcohol, drugs, tobacco; b. Sexually suggestive contents; c. Profane, vulgar, or lewd symbols or slogans; d. Gangs or cults, antisocial or harassing behavior; and or e. Hate, violence, death, suicide, gore, and/or blood.

Acceptable Dress: Shirts, Blouses, Tops --

Shall be appropriately sized and long enough to cover the midriff at all times. Sleeveless shirts and blouses should not have oversized armholes or open sides exposing

undergarments or skin. May NOT be halter, crop, midriff, tank, strapless, backless, spaghetti strap, or muscle shirts. May not be revealing and/or see-through. The neckline must be high enough not to show cleavage.

Slacks, Pants, Trousers, Shorts, Skirts, and Dresses --

Shall be appropriately sized; not tight or loose fitting. Slacks, pants, skirts, shorts must fit at the waist. (Sagging and/or exposure of undergarments is

not allowed). Length must be no higher than mid-thigh.

Head Wear --

May not wear head coverings such as hats and caps, bandannas and sweatbands. May not wear sunglasses.

Jewelry & Personal Items --

Body piercing, other than ears, is prohibited. Heavy chains, spiked or studded jewelry and/or chains, or other inappropriate jewelry are

prohibited. Shoes must be safe.