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http://www.bradleycountyvirtualschool.org/

BRADLEY COUNTY VIRTUAL SCHOOL

STUDENT HANDBOOK

2017-2018

The mission of the Bradley County Virtual School is to

provide progressive non-traditional educational opportunities

to meet the distinctive needs for all learners to excel.

The vision of the Bradley County Virtual School is

Bradley County Virtual School Student Handbook 2017-2018

“Growing Students – Building Futures”

301 Keith Street NW, Suite 102Cleveland, TN 37311Phone: 423-709-8414

Fax: 423-339-9981Sherry E. Shroyer, Ed. D. Principal

[email protected]

2“Growing Students - Building Futures”


Table of Contents

Section Content Page Number

Section 1 Introduction 3

Section 2 About Bradley County Virtual School 3

Section 3 Administrative Contact Information 4

Section 4 District Calendar 5

Section 5 School Calendar Link 6

Section 6 Student Expectations 6

Section 7 Mandatory Testing Requirements 12

Section 8 Grading Policy 12

Section 9 Concerns and Challenges & Faculty Contact 13

Section 10 Enrollment 14

Section 11 Photography Release 14

Section 12 Faculty and Staff 15



Section 1: Introduction

Welcome to the Bradley County Virtual School (BCVS) family. This student handbook was created to provide our virtual students with relevant information necessary for a successful learning experience. It is extremely important that each virtual student and his/her supporting family members thoroughly read this handbook with special emphasis given to the important policies and procedures that our students are expected to know and follow. If you have any questions regarding the material presented, please contact BCVS office at 423-709-8414.

Section 2: About Bradley County Virtual School

BRADLEY COUNTY VIRTUAL SCHOOL

Bradley County Schools provides progressive non-traditional educational opportunities through Bradley County Virtual School. The purpose of this educational setting is to make assurances that our distinctive virtual students will achieve their academic and practical potential. Instructional delivery of instruction occurs through Edgenuity courseware and district funded State of Tennessee certified teachers. Our teachers facilitate teaching and learning through our virtual asynchronous learning management system and other innovative technologies. Our school combines a rigorous academic program with virtual student support, as well as experiential learning opportunities to create an extraordinary learning experience. Our faculty includes teacher-scholars who serve as teacher-facilitators to reinforce a culture of mastery learning and support. Virtual courses are aligned with Bradley County’s instructional goals and Tennessee’s academic standards, curriculum frameworks, and assessments. Additionally, all courses follow approved Tennessee Department of Education Standards.

The purpose of the Bradley County Virtual School is to offer quality educational opportunities outside of the traditional “brick and mortar” school setting to link students, teachers, and administrators through the use of technological platforms and courseware designed to meet the academic needs of virtual learners using asynchronous, synchronous, and face-to-face “blended” learning opportunities.

The mission of the Bradley County Virtual School is to provide progressive non-traditional educational opportunities to meet the distinctive needs for all learners to excel.

The vision of the Bradley County Virtual School is “Growing Students – Building Futures”4

“Growing Students - Building Futures”


The beliefs of the Bradley County Virtual School:

● By providing progressive non-traditional educational opportunities for distinctive virtual learners, all students will achieve their academic and practical potential.

● By inspiring academic virtual excellence in learning, all students will be college and career ready.

● By providing appropriate and up-to-date academically reliable courseware and blended learning opportunities, all students will excel.

● By becoming a virtual leader in learning, all students will be confident in their ability to learn, work, and be successful in an asynchronous and synchronous virtual environment as well as in face-to-face settings.

The goals of the Bradley County Virtual School:

● Ensure distinctive educational opportunities to promote virtual excellence and equity for all virtual learners

● Improve policies and frameworks to guide and support the academic outcomes for all virtual learners

● Strengthen the virtual learning environment through technological and face-to-face opportunities with students and families.

Our primary focus:

● ACT● Attendance● Ready Graduates

ASYNCHRONOUS VIRTUAL SCHOOLInstruction at BCVS is primarily delivered asynchronously and in the same format and style of a college virtual learning course. This means that virtual students and virtual teachers can access the virtual courses and participate at various times and need not be online simultaneously. We are not a synchronous virtual school with virtual students and virtual teachers logging into the virtual course and interacting at the same time. Even though our school is mostly asynchronous in nature, we offer a few synchronistic and tutoring opportunities for some virtual courses.

Section 3: Administrative Contact Information

Sherry E. Shroyer, Ed. D. [email protected] Keith Street NW, Suite 102Cleveland, TN 37311

Crystal Morris, Administrative [email protected] 301 Keith Street NW, Suite 102 (AM Tu-Th)800 South Lee Highway (M-F)



Phone: 423-709-8414Fax: 423-339-9981

Phone: 423-709-8414 (AM Tu & Th)Phone: 423-476-0620, Ext. 2014 (M-F)

Section 4: Bradley County Schools District Calendar



BCVS Graduation - Friday, May 18, 2018, 6:00 PM, BCHS Fine Arts Building

Section 5: School Calendar Link

See school calendar on BCVS website http://www.bradleycountyvirtualschool.org/

Section 6: Student Expectations

VIRTUAL STUDENT ORIENTATION REQUIREMENT

All students and families are required to attend and participate in our parent, student, and teacher orientation. Virtual students not attending the orientation will not be officially enrolled at BCVS and must return to their zoned school.

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AND MASTERY LEARNING

We believe by providing appropriate and up-to-date academically reliable courseware and blended learning opportunities, all students will excel. Our virtual students are expected to strive for academic excellence while completing the studies offered through BCVS. Our school expects all students to work at their highest potential with a minimum mastery requirement of earning 70% on every assignment. All students are required to earn this minimum expectation to obtain credit for their courses in which they are enrolled. In the event that our student does not demonstrate mastery on BCVS final exams, but passes all virtual course assignments or vice versa, the virtual student may be required to authenticate mastery via alternative assessments methods to ensure that academic integrity has not been compromised. Only until the student can demonstrate mastery will the credit be earned.

ATTENDANCE

Virtual schools in the State of Tennessee are required to “meet the equivalent of the 180 days of instruction and 6.5 hours per day per academic year pursuant to T.C.A. § 49-6-3004,” and we are required to “monitor participation and progress to ensure students meet participation requirements, and make progress toward successful completion of courses” (Rules of the State Board of Education, Rule 0520-01-03, -03, Minimum Requirements for the Approval of Public Schools, page 8). Our guidelines for a successful virtual student include attending to daily work in systematic manner. The virtual student dedicates the time needed to successfully master the content in the course. “Target Completion” rates will be calculated for every school day.



New in 2017-2018: Students are required daily to complete the “target completion” rates or will be considered to be absent for all or part of the school day. When an “absence” is detected, the student must complete the missing work within the current week (Monday through Saturday). If an absence is detected and goes beyond one week, a doctor’s excuse must be submitted. Students missing the equivalent of three (3) or more school days will be referred to Bradley County Campus Court.

Note: Students may work ahead for planned absences.

ATTENDANCE FOR THE SENIOR CLASS OF 2018

Seniors who miss the equivalent of ten (10) or more days of school and are unable to complete required coursework percentages coursework by April 30, 2018, will not be allowed to graduate with their class or be granted permission to attend prom events. An alternate graduation will be conducted on June 7, 2018 at 10:00 AM for seniors not compliant with the attendance policy and who complete all coursework percentages to 100% by May 31, 2018.

CHARACTERISTICS OF A SUCCESSFUL VIRTUAL STUDENT

We believe that by becoming a virtual leader in learning, all students will be confident in their ability to learn, work, and be successful in an asynchronous and synchronous virtual environment as well as in face-to-face settings. Virtual courses offer students opportunities to learn in new, engaging ways, and students must be active learners. There is a high correlation between academic success at BCVS and time spent on the course, as well as remaining on-pace. In general, to be successful at BCVS, virtual students must continuously demonstrate the following competencies:

● The virtual student strives to achieve his or her fullest potential.● The virtual student takes ownership of his or her learning.● The virtual student is an excellent communicator both orally and in writing.● The virtual student constantly displays academic professionalism.● The virtual student is self-motivated and self-disciplined.● The virtual student exhibits attention to detail, reading, and following all instructions.● The virtual student is adaptable and able to manage competing demands in various

virtual courses. ● The virtual student takes responsibility for actions and in keeping commitments.● The virtual student has excellent time management skills completing virtual assignments

on time and remaining on–target.



● The virtual student seeks help when support is needed, or speaks up if a problem arises. ● The virtual student has a “no excuses” attitude.● The virtual student maintains a positive attitude toward learning.

SEQUENCE AND VIRTUAL COURSE PROGRESS

Virtual learning often involves sequential courses presented in a logical and chronological order. Subsequent assignments build upon previous ones. Therefore, assignments must be completed linearly unless specifically directed by the teacher. Teachers are also required to ensure virtual students complete assignments in sequence and ultimately master the content presented in the courseware.

COMMUNICATION EXPECTATIONS

Students are required to be an effective communicator while enrolled at BCVS. This is vital to the success of our virtual students. It is expected that virtual students maintain consistent and regular communication with their teachers. The following expectations are required for all virtual students enrolled in BCVS:

● Must own and maintain a computer with Internet access that meets minimal courseware requirements.

● Must have a working telephone and provide the number to BCVS for distribution to our teachers and staff.

● Must read our weekly newsletter (Virtual News), as well as any announcements offered in the courseware, and daily visit our website. http://www.bradleycountyvirtualschool.org/

● Must respond to all teacher and administrative questions within twenty-four (24) hours on regular school days, Monday through Friday.

● Must participate in discussion boards and projects ensuring that those communications and projects are academically focused, when applicable.

● Must be prepared and take all required tests to include TCAP, EOC, ACT, and Civics tests in order to meet testing requirements for graduation.

ETIQUETTE FOR OUR VIRTUAL STUDENTS

Most of our communication between our teachers, virtual students and parents is written. It is important to note that the words that we use are choices. Respect the power of those



decisions and choose words with care. Email and other communications should always be professional. The following are etiquette expectations for virtual students:

● Always use correct spelling and grammar. Do not use any acronyms associated with social media.

● Provide a brief and concise summary in the subject line of the electronic communication.

● Keep communications brief and to the point.● Do not discuss multiple subjects. Be sure to focus on one subject per communication.● Always include a professional greeting and closing.● Address the contact with the appropriate level of formality.● Read communications for tone and avoid sarcasm.● Do not write messages in all capital letters.● Remember that your electronic communication is not private and you are representing

yourself and BCVS.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

Academic integrity is fundamental to a successful virtual learning experience. BCVS requires that our virtual students honor this principle to protect the validity of the intellectual work of students. This means that the virtual student, without unauthorized help of any kind, completes all academic work on their own. Academic integrity means that our students:

● Complete each assignment independently and without assistance.● Do not practice plagiarism in any form.● Do not cheat in any manner.● Do not allow other individuals to copy their work. ● Do not misuse content from the Internet.

Plagiarism includes copying text, ideas, and/or words from another source without proper citation(s). Cheating and/or fraud includes making others believe that work has been done by someone other than the person responsible for the work. Misrepresentation of work not completed by the student exemplifies deception. Note that collaboration with another individual on any assignment must be pre-approved by our teacher(s).

If our teacher(s) or our administrator suspects that any student has breached our academic integrity policy, a random and unannounced oral and/or written assessment may be required. If a virtual student is found to have violated the Academic Integrity policy, our teacher will follow the guidelines listed below.



Violation Number Intervention:

Violation #1 The teacher notifies the student and the parent that it is suspected that the student has violated the Academic Integrity policy. Consequently, the student will receive a zero on all assignments submitted in violation of the policy. The teacher will also inform the virtual student and parent that a second violation will be reported directly to the principal which may result in failure of the course.

Violation #2 The teacher will notify the principal of the second violation. The principal will contact the virtual student and parent notifying them of a mandatory face-to-face conference in the administrative office.

Violation 3# The teacher will notify the principal of the third violation. The principal will send an official notification to the student and the parent noting that the student will receive no credit for any remaining assignments and the class credit will be nullified.

CITATIONS

Our students must be careful not to present the ideas of others as their own original work. Virtual students are expected to always cite the ideas and work of another individual, especially when using written expressions. In these instances, students should cite the work using either MLA (Modern Language Association) or APA (American Psychological Association) formats. Our students should contact their teacher to determine which style of citation is most appropriate for the course.

NOTE TAKING TO REINFORCE LEARNING

Our virtual students are expected to take notes during learning and when reviewing the content presented in their courseware. Notes may be taken via pencil and paper, Edgenuity e-notes, computer, and any other electronic device to enhance and strengthen learning of key points. Note taking allows our students to concentrate and focus on major concepts presented during close reading of course material with attention to aligning notes with the learning target of the lesson. Additionally, clear and accurate notes capture information for study and review. Listed below are a few tips for note taking:

● Identify the current date when compiling notes.



● Note the name of the course, lesson, and activity.● Identify the specific learning target concepts that students are expected to know and

master.● Organize notes to correspond with headings and subheadings found directly within the

course.● Under each heading, summarize relevant information in brief, descriptive, and clear

phrases that trigger your memory, using your own words. ● Review illustrations, graphics, charts, etc. summarizing the main ideas, findings, and

relevance of each learning artifact within your notes. ● While taking notes, identify questions that need to be answered or clarified.● When finished, review all the notes taken and summarize the main ideas.

SAVING ASSIGNMENTS

Our virtual students are expected to save all their work and assignments prior to submitting them for grading. BCVS is not responsible for assignments not uploaded correctly or lost during submission. It is the responsibility of our students to save all work in the event the technology malfunctions occur during submission of work. Our students should create an electronic folder for each class to catalog and file all assignments as a backup for technology glitches. When our students fail to save their work and an assignment is missing, the student remains responsible for the assignment.

ACADEMIC DRESS

When our students come to our BCVS office, attend meetings, study sessions, sit for state tests, and/or use interactive visual technology, they are expected to dress in an appropriate manner, conveying an academically professional appearance and image. Dress must be neat and clean.

CODE OF CONDUCT

All virtual students enrolled are subject to the Bradley County Schools Student Code of Conduct and all rules contained therein. Internet access is required for all virtual students, and must use this access in a responsible, safe, efficient, ethical, and legal manner. Use of the Internet must be in accordance with the Bradley County Student Technology Acceptable Use Policy. Virtual students agree to Bradley County Schools Student Technology Acceptable Use policy when enrolling in BCVS. Please click the link to read the acceptable use policy.

COLLEGE FOR TN



The College for TN website is a new resource for middle and high school students planning their career choices. All students are strongly encouraged to follow the link https://www.collegefortn.org to “sign up” and build their account, take an interest survey, investigate resources, write resumes, and prepare for the future. SIGN UP TODAY and join the Ready Graduates in Tennessee!

Section 7: Mandatory Testing Requirements

All BCVS students are required to complete testing requirements for ACT, EOC, TCAP, and Citizenship tests and are required for graduation. It is important for you to note your test dates on your calendar.

● Seniors: ACT retake October 3, 2017 - notify BCVS office by September 15, 2017 if you

are planning to retake the ACT.

● Juniors: ACT test – March 20, 2018

● Date TBA: Citizenship test based on U.S. Citizenship Test (grade 11)

● TCAP tests (grades 6-8): April 16-May 4, 2018

● End of Course (EOC) tests (grades 9-11): April 16-May 4, 2018

For more information about our state required assessments you may go to https://www.tn.gov/education/topic/tnready website.

Section 8: Grading Policy

EXCELLENCE AND MASTERY

We believe that by inspiring academic virtual excellence in learning, all students will be college and career ready, and we expect all of our learners to master and apply the content provided. Grades are based on learning earned by our students. Our school believes that our students should be afforded every opportunity to succeed.

For virtual students this means the following:



● When the virtual student scores less than 70% on an assignment the learner is allowed to retake the assignment during the current quarter.

● Missed assignments are considered incomplete.

GRADING AND GRADE POINT AVERAGE (GPA)

All courses will be used for the calculation of GPA, with the exception of courses earning a grade of pass or fail. Student GPA is used for determining honor graduates to include our senior valedictorian and salutatorian, college admissions, and scholarships.

UNIFORM GRADING SYSTEM – WEIGHTING FOR ADVANCED COURSEWORK

Source: Rules of the State Board of Education, Rule 0520-01-03, -03, Minimum Requirements for the Approval of Public Schools, page 14.



Section 9: Concerns and Challenges & Faculty Contact

BCVS is committed to provide a timely response for any concerns that our teachers, students, or parents may have regarding academic progress. Our goal is to act quickly to resolve concerns and/or challenges. This table presents the sequence in which all concerns are handled.

Name Phone Name Phone

Miguel Armenta 423-310-3499 Crystal Morris 423-709-8414 or

423-476-0620, ext. 2014

Jonathan Garrett 423-799-1444 Molly Nolte-Allen 423-405-0977

Kristin Garner 423-271-8143 Stacie Nope 423-423-6501

Jason Kibler 423-389-4545 Mandy Picchiottino 423-454-1462

Will Langdon 423-910-9455 Jesse Wood 423-521-2193

Chrissy McKinney 423-421-7827 Sherry Shroyer, Principal

423-709-8414

For example, virtual students and/or parents should always contact the teacher first and try to resolve any concerns. In the event that concern requires immediate attention, always feel free to contact the principal.

Section 10: Enrollment

ELIGIBILITY

We believe that by providing progressive non-traditional educational opportunities for distinctive virtual learners, all students will achieve their academic and practical potential. We strive to make assurances that the virtual setting is the best educational placement for each student enrolled. The curriculum is extremely rigorous and requires the student be self-


1. Contact the teacher for assistance.

2. Contact your advisor for advice.

3. Contact the principal for resolution


motivated and self-disciplined. To ensure that the student success, full-time enrollment is conditional on the virtual student having and maintaining a 3.0 grade point average (GPA) and having fewer than 10 absences per school year.

In order for a virtual student to participate in the Graduation and Commencement Ceremony, the learner must complete all coursework and receive credit no later than Tuesday, May 15, 2018.

Section 11: Photography Release

PHOTOGRAPHY

Throughout the school year, teachers and staff may take pictures of the students engaged in various aspects of school. These pictures may be displayed on bulletin boards, school publications, promotional videos, on the school and/or district websites, etc. Additionally, from time to time a local media photographer for newspaper or television stations may come to the school and photograph/video students.

If you do NOT wish your child to be photographed and/or recorded, please complete the Google Form link and contact the school office by phone or email denying release each year your child is enrolled at BCVS. If proper paperwork is not filed annually with the school office, it will be understood that the school has parental/guardian permission to publish your child’s photo.

Sect ion 12: Faculty and Staff

Name Phone Classes

Miguel Armenta 423-310-3499 Spanish I, Spanish II

Jonathan Garrett 423-799-1444 Math II, Math III, Bridge Math, ACT Math, Tutoring



Kristin Garner 423-271-8143 Middle School Math and Social Studies

Jason Kibler 423-389-4545 Physical Science, Biology, Chemistry

Will Langdon 423-910-9455 Math I, Computer Applications, Personal Finance, Tutoring

Chrissy McKinney 423-421-7827 Middle School Health/Safety, High School Lifetime Wellness and Physical Education

Crystal Morris 423-709-8414 or

423-476-0620, ext. 2014 Administrative Assistant

Molly Nolte-Allen 423-405-0977 English III, English IV, ACT English/Reading

Stacie Nope 423-423-6501 Middle School English Language Arts, Science, Testing

Mandy Picchiottino 423-454-1462 English I, English II

Sherry Shroyer 423-709-8414 Principal

Jesse Wood 423-521-2193 Art History, Economics, Sociology, U. S. Government, U. S. History, Sociology


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