2012-2013 School Calendar All Online Learning Programs follow the VCS Calendar

August 13 (Monday) Preplanning Begins –Teachers Report

August 20 (Monday) First Day of Schools for Students

September 3 (Monday) Labor Day Holiday

September 21 (Friday) Professional Development Day/Student Holiday

October 19 (Friday) Teacher Duty Day/Student Holiday

November 12 (Monday) Veterans Day Holiday

November 20 (Tuesday) Thanksgiving Holiday Begins - End of Day

November 26 (Monday) Classes Resume

December 20 (Thursday) Winter Holiday Begins - End of Day

December 21 (Friday) Teacher Duty Day

January 7 (Monday) Classes Resume

January 21 (Monday) Martin Luther King’s Birthday Holiday

February 18 (Monday) Presidents’ Day Holiday

March 11 (Monday) Spring Holiday Begins - End of Day

March 22 (Friday) Teacher Duty Day

April 1 (Monday) Classes Resume

May 27 (Monday) Memorial Day Holiday

June 4 (Tuesday) Last Day of School for Students

June 5 (Wednesday) Last Day of School for Teachers

Volusia County Schools: Online Learning 1250 Reed Canal Road, Port Orange, FL 32129

Daytona Beach Area: (386) 506-0014 DeLand Area: (386) 734-7190

Extensions: 38389 or 38395; Fax (386) 943-3413

Virtual Instruction

Orientation Hospital Homebound

Home Instruction

Off Campus Instruction

Your child is about to participate in online virtual

instruction through the Volusia County Schools Hospital/

Homebound (H/H), Home Instruction (HI), or Off Campus

Instruction (OCI) programs. Students may access online

instruction 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Contact Information

Online Learning

386-506-0014 or 386-734-7190

Karen Berg – Teacher on Assignment

e-mail: kberg@volusia.k12.fl.us, ext. 38394

Susy Peterson – Teacher on Assignment

e-mail: jspeters@volusia.k12.fl.us, ext. 38353

Carol Dilligard, Office Specialist: ext. 38355

Diane Shamalty, Office Specialist: ext. 38395

Virtual Instruction

Although the online teachers are not physically present for instruc-

tion, they will

Monitor student progress and keep the student on pace

through intervention for inactivity

Communicate with students through EdModo, email, mes-

sage center, and phone

Host real time office hours

Provide timely and meaningful feedback

Students participating in online virtual instruction will have a more

successful learning experience through

Regular attendance monitored by online attendance

Active participation

Timely completion of assignments

Thorough attention to tasks

Asking for assistance when needed

Please help your child be successful in this program by reviewing

the following information:

1. Parent Responsibility: Please provide an atmosphere that is

quiet and free from distractions. The work area should be clean, well-

lit and well-ventilated. The child will need a computer with an inter-

net connection (preferably high speed) to access virtual instruction.

Help your child create a schedule which takes into account the re-

quirements and pacing of their coursework. Provide the necessary

supervision to ensure that your child completes all assignments, quiz-

zes and tests.

2. Attendance: Students are expected to access online instruction by

logging in every school day for a minimum of 45 minutes to an hour

per subject. Daily attendance is important in order to ensure success

in the virtual program. If your child does not log in for 3 consecutive

days, or is sick, you must notify the virtual teacher(s) or Diane Sham-

laty, office specialist, within 48 hours of an absence.

The School District of Volusia County Equipment Check Out

Hospital Homebound/Off-Campus Instruction/Home Instruction

The following items have been checked out… 1. Item Description: __________________________________

County ID Number ___________________ Serial Number __________________

2. Item Description: _________________________________

County ID Number ___________________ Serial Number __________________

Reason for checking out equipment:

___________________________________________________________

Check Out Date ________________ *Date to Return:________________

*Equipment must be returned upon exit from the program.

I understand that I am checking out this equipment to perform Volusia

School District-related business. By doing so, I assume responsibility

for the equipment while it is in my possession. I understand that I am

financially responsible for any equipment or peripherals damaged or not

returned.

__________________________ ___________________________

PRINT Parent /Guardian Name Parent/Guardian Signature

__________________________ ___________________________

Administrators Signature Date

IBM R51 Laptop with

Power Adaptor

Cost: $855.00

Mouse

Cost: $5.50

Carrying Case

Cost: $34.00

Clearwire Air Card

Cost: $35.00

plus service

STUDENT USE A. General Notice: The use of Electronic Information Systems (EIS) can put new and exciting resources at the fingertips of both students and teachers. Due to the funda-mental lack of restrictions on the Internet, parents, teachers and students should be aware that there is a possibility of accessing information that has not been screened by educators and that may not be consistent with other district policies. Individual users will be held responsible for their use of EIS. All students and their parents/guardians shall be required to sign and return an acceptable use agreement provided by the school prior to using EIS. B. Specific Provisions on Use of Equipment and Services All students must agree to adhere to the following requirements: 1. All student use of EIS shall be in accordance with school board policy, the code

of conduct, other rules that the individual school may have that supplement school board policy, and the instructions given to the student(s) by staff.

2. The student is responsible for good behavior on the school computer system, just as he/she is while at school or any school district activity. School board pol-icy and school rules for behavior and communications apply.

3. The student shall use EIS for educational purposes only. 4. The student will not access or attempt to access information that is not author-

ized for the student’s access or account. 5. Students are not permitted to use EIS for commercial purposes or product adver-

tising, unless specifically allowed by the teacher as part of the class. 6. Students are not permitted to use EIS for political lobbying or campaigning. This

prohibition does not restrict communications with public officials as part of a class activity approved by the teacher.

7. Students are not permitted to access, transmit, receive, submit, or publish any defamatory, abusive, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, threatening, harass-ing, offensive, or illegal material, any material related to gambling, weapons or terrorist activities, or any materials involving hate speech, or to make any attempt to do so.

8. Students will not use EIS to invade the privacy of and shall not trespass into an-other student’s or employee’s folders, work, or files without proper authorization.

9. The student shall abide by all copyright laws and regulations. 10. The student shall not harm, modify, or destroy software or equipment, or inter-

fere with system security or make any attempt to do so. 11. The student shall not introduce unauthorized software into the system. 12. The student shall not use EIS in any way that would disrupt the use of EIS by

others. 13. The student shall not allow another individual to access EIS by using the stu-

dent’s account or password, unless the student has authorization to allow such use by others. Students are ultimately responsible for all activity under their ac-counts.

C. Supervision Employees responsible for supervising student use of EIS will provide reasonable guidance and instruction to students on such use. No student shall be permitted to engage in interactive communication using EIS without the expressed permission of the supervising staff member. Interactive communication on the Inter-net by students shall be closely supervised.

D. Sanctions for Misuse Any violation of this policy by a student may result in loss or limitation of use of EIS, shall be grounds for discipline under the code of student con-duct and/or referral to law enforcement where appropriate under the law, and may result in the student being financially liable for the cost of improper use

3. State/District Testing: Volusia County Schools requires students to

participate in standardized testing throughout the school year. Students

will coordinate with their zoned school testing coordinator. Specific testing

information prior to administration will be communicated with each fam-

ily.

4. Program Log In

Compass Learning Courses

Go to the Volusia County Schools homepage

www.MyVolusiaSchools.org

Click the Students icon.

On the right side of the screen under Toolbox, click Student Portal.

This link should direct you to https://student.volusia.k12.fl.us/.

The first time you login, please enter the following:

Username: Alpha ID (1XXXX)

Password: Birth date (MMDDYYYY)

Next, you will be prompted to setup security questions. You will use

these answers in the future if you need to change your password.

After you have setup your security questions, you will enter your main

Student vPortal home screen. Here, you will find quick links to Online

Learning, Edmodo, and other VCS curriculum applications.

Blackboard Courses

Go to the Volusia County Schools homepage

Scroll to the bottom of the screen and click on the Blackboard Home

link in the Quick Link column.

On the Blackboard site, click on the Log In link at the very top of the

page.

Log in Username: 1 with Alpha ID Password: Eight digit Birth date

5. Setting up a gmail account

Set up an email account in Google mail. You will use this account for

your virtual courses only. Your teachers will communicate with you

using your gmail account.

Go to www.google.com and click on gmail. Create an gmail mail using

your first initial, last name, and month and day of birth and HH/HI/OCI.

Parent/Guardian must assist students with the gmail setup if the student

is UNDER 18 years old.

For example: Jane Smith was born on January 21 and is on Hospital

Homebound. Her Gmail user name would be

jsmith0121HH@gmail.com. Send a confirmation email to

caroldilligard@gmail.com from your new Gmail account. In the subject

line of the message type your last name and the program you are in (HH/

HI/OCI) – this should be the same as the program in your new gmail ac-

count. You will not be active until this confirmation email has been

received by VVS.

6. Sample Schedules: (for Monday through Friday online access)

More or less time may be required depending on the class and

assignments. Plan accordingly

with due dates in mind.

Teacher will send students their available office hours.

7. Earning a Grade: Students will receive a pacing guide to help

the student progress through each course. Students are expected

to master all the Volusia County Schools and Florida standards

through a series of formative and summative assessments.

Grades earned through virtual courses will become part of the stu-

dent’s academic record.

If you have questions or concerns regarding grades, please contact

the virtual teacher or the Hospital Homebound office.

Testing: Students must contact the teacher of each course to

schedule a time, when you can be supervised by an adult, to take

a test. It is important that you schedule all of your tests at least

one full school day in advance.

8. Textbooks and Materials: The majority of necessary materials

may be accessed online. Occasionally supplemental materials

and books may be required for particular courses. They may be

obtained by contacting the Hospital Homebound office.

Class Sample 1

Time

Sample 2 Time

Instructor Name

1. English 8:00 – 9:00 12:00 – 1:00

Break 15 minutes 15 minutes

2. Math 9:15 – 10:15 1:15 – 2:15

Break 15 minutes 15 minutes

3. Social

Studies

10:30 – 11:30 2:30 – 3:30

Break 15 minutes 15 minutes

4. Science 12:45 – 1:45 3:45 – 4:45

Break 15 minutes 15 minutes

5. Elective 2:00 – 3:00 5:00 – 6:00

6. Elective 3:00 – 4:00 6:00 – 7:00

Volusia County Schools Electronic Information Services (EIS) Acceptable Use Agreement for Students Home Usage

Volusia County Schools provides your student with access to Electronic Informa-tion Services (EIS) through the use of VCS computers and/or other electronic devices. Use of EIS is a privilege, not a right. Computers are provided for student use to further the edu-cational goals of the district. To ensure students benefit from computer technology, they will adhere to the following guidelines, as well as those specified in School Board Policy 518 and other district policies and procedures governing student conduct. 1. Students will only use programs and devices selected by the VCS staff and monitored by parents for home access. 2. Students will not install or download from the Internet any software, including games, on any VCS computers. 3. Students will not make any changes to desktop settings or to pro-grams on any VCS computer workstation. 4. Students will save their files to a removable device unless directed to do otherwise by VCS staff. 5. Students may use the Internet for only curriculum research and projects assigned by the teacher. No surfing or browsing the Internet for recreational purposes is allowed. Any inappropriate material inadvertently ac-cessed should be reported to parents and/or VCS staff/teachers. The parent acknowledges responsibility for monitoring students Internet usage and gives their permission for their student to access the Internet for VCS instructional purposes. 6. Students shall not visit non-district-supported chat rooms or use instant messaging without permission and direction from VCS Staff /teachers. Students shall not give out personal information about themselves or others. 7. Students will immediately notify their parent and VCS staff/teacher if malfunc-tions occur in any computer, peripheral, or software. Any tampering with hardware, periph-eral devices, or software will be considered vandalism and will be handled accordingly. 8. Students will use district-supported e-mail for school curriculum only, with permission and at the direction of the VCS staff/teacher. I further understand that failure to follow these guide-lines may result in the loss of access to computer equipment and the Internet or other disci-plinary action. The use of EIS is a privilege and not a right. Please review Support Ser-vices Policy 518 (reverse side). Having read this form, sign and have your son/daughter sign below to use student assigned computers issued from the school dis-trict for home usage. Computer/Internet Use Consent Complete and return this form to the appropriate school district office. STUDENT: Name (please PRINT): ___________________ Student ID: ________________ School: ___________________________________________ Grade: __________

I understand that my computer use is not private and that the District may monitor my activity on the networked communication system. I have read the Student Support Ser-vices Policy 518 (on reverse) and agree to abide by the provisions. Access to Internet sites may or may not be filtered and monitoring student Internet access is the responsibility of the parent of the student. I understand that violation of these provisions may result in revocation of the access to assigned technology usage equipment and resources which could lead to other disciplinary action. Student’s Signature ______________________________________ Date _______________

****************************************************************************************************** PARENT: By signing below, I am stating that I have read the Volusia County Schools Stu-dent Support Services Policy 518 (on reverse). I understand that access to the Internet may or may not be filtered and I give my permission for my student to utilize the VCS equipment to access the Internet for VCS educational purposes and realize that I am responsible for monitoring my students Internet activities. Further, I certify that the information contained on this form is correct. I understand the computer equipment supplied to my student is the prop-erty of Volusia County Schools and I agree to provide reasonable care of the equipment. Report any malfunctions to the designated VCS contact and return equipment at the conclu-sion of the assignment period. Check only one:

___ I give permission for my child to participate in the District’s electronic informa-

tion services (which includes utilizing the VCS school district equipment for home access) ___ I DO NOT give permission for my child to participate in the District’s elec-

tronic information services. Parent’s Signature _______________________________________ Date _______________

(NOTE: It is the parent’s responsibility to complete a new form if circumstances change.)

Clearwire Air Card Issues continued...

Do you have the computer on Mute?

If yes, great. See next point.

If no, please turn on the volume. See next point.

Did you hear any sounds when you plugged in the Clearwire card?

If yes:

Did you see any notification bubbles appear in the bottom

right section of the screen?

Did the Clearwire software automatically start?

Did you wait a few minutes for the Clearwire software to

start?

If yes, did you click on the Clearwire Icon to start it?

If no, please click it now.

If yes, did the program start?

If no:

Did you restart your computer?

If yes, try to plug in the card to the other USB

port.

If no, please restart your computer.

Internet Explorer Cannot Display the Webpage

Try refreshing the webpage.

Check to see if you have an active network connection.

Do you have connection through Clearwire or your home net-

work?

No., That is why you can’t visit websites. Please gain

connection and try again.

Yes. See below.

Try a different website, such as www.google.com

If this works, then the website you are trying to view is not

working.

If this does not work, then try restarting your computer.

Tips for Success in a Virtual

Course

Take good notes for each class.

Communicate with your teachers and other students early and

often.

Create and follow a schedule that works for you and gives you

time for each class.

Complete assignments, do not put off assignments for later.

Don’t give up if you’re having technical difficulties. Keep trying

each hour or so.

Be prepared! You must be diligent and take responsibility for

understanding assignment instructions, due dates, and expecta-

tions.

Academic Integrity What does this mean?

Your work on each assignment will be completely

your own. You will not practice plagiarism in any form. You will not allow others to copy your work. You will not misuse content from the Internet.

Troubleshooting Tips for

Laptop and Air Card Computer does not turn on or does not stay on: Be sure that you are using the power adaptor and are not trying to work off

of the battery.

Check the power adaptor.

Is the plug connected securely to the wall socket?

Is the brick plugged firmly into the cord that goes to the wall

socket?

Is the connector plugged completely into the laptop?

Does the wall socket work? Have you plugged anything else into it? For

instance, a lamp?

If the wall socket works, then what happens when you push the power but-

ton?

Do you hear any noise?

Do you see anything on the monitor?

Do you see any lights flashing?

If the wall socket works, and the computer does not turn on, call the H/H

office to get a replacement.

X

X

X

Issues with the Clearwire Air Card:

“No Device Found”:

Remove air card, restart computer and let it reboot to home screen, and

then insert air card.

If the Clearwire air card does NOT automatically load and connect, double

click on the Clear icon

“PPP error code”:

When attempting to do a 3G Device Reset it will go into Preparation

mode which could take up to 2 hours to take effect.

During the 3G Device Reset, do not unplug the Clearwire card or

power down the computer.

If the 3G Device Reset does not work and the error code persists, then

you will need to call the H/H office.