FAQ
How will my child be assigned a school counselor?
The elementary and middle school students each have one school counselor. Elementary students are assigned to Mr. Young. Middle school students are assigned to Mrs. Ruhle. High school students are assigned by last name. Students with the last names A-K are assigned to Mrs. French. Students with the last names L-Z are assigned to Mr. Moreau.
How do I set up a conference with a school counselor?
The easiest way to set up a meeting with your student's school counselor is through the counselor appointment links.
Nick Young, grades K-5: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=19061022&appointmentType=36807706
Jennifer Ruhle, grades 6-8: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=19061022&calendarID=5933658
Brittany French, grades 9-12, student last names A-K: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=19061022&calendarID=4676275
Rob Moreau, grades 9-12, student last names L-Z: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=19061022&appointmentType=18058339
Who should I talk to if I think that my child needs extra help in school?
Learning coaches and parents are always encouraged to talk with teachers about any difficulties that a student may have with a class to determine weaknesses and problem areas. After talking with the teacher, parents then may want to schedule a meeting with the school counselor to explore what services may be available to support the student's needs.
Where can I find information about how my student is doing in their classes?
Learning Coaches have access to a Schoology portal where they can view classes, grades and assignments. For Edgenuity, Learning Coaches also have an observer account where they can view classes and grades. For Edgenuity, Learning Coaches also receive weekly updates sent to email.
Who should I contact about my child’s grade for a class?
Teachers are the best source of information if there are any questions about grades. The best way to contact a teacher is email.
How can I best communicate with teachers and school counselors so I am a partner in my child's services?
Learning coaches and parents and are encouraged to communicate with teachers about their child's progress. This can be be accomplished by arranging a meeting with one or more of your child's teachers and/or school counselor to monitor progress, emailing, as well as telephone conferences. Your may also monitor assignment completion and academic grades by checking Grade Book in your child's individual courses regularly and by remaining current with messages that are sent through the Learning Coach Portal. Learning coaches and parents will also find it useful to attend Learning Coach groups offered regularly by the Family Engagement Office and to attend meet-ups and special programs offered periodically by GCVS to further strengthen the home/school collaboration.
As a parent, how do I request counseling for my child?
Parents may contact the school school counselor to request counseling to guide students to more productive actions at school and home and to assist students in problem-solving. Counselors at all levels are trained to assist students with complex problems that may impact their academic, social and personal development. You may schedule a time to meet with your child's school counselor through the Guidance Suite on the GCVS webite or by emailing or calling the respective counselor assigned to your child's grade directly.
How can I assure a smooth transition into GCVS?
Schooling at a virtual school definitely looks a lot different than a traditional brick and mortar! There will be a transition time when students first come to GCVS, and are figuring out a new system that works. Below are some tips to help ensure as smooth a transition as possible.
Creating structure - make sure your student has a dedicated work space specifically for school. This work space will look different for different students. Some students do better in environments that are more quiet and removed (such as a desk in a dedicated office space), where as other students are more successful in "busier" parts of the house (such as a table in the kitchen).
Having a schedule - most students will have some sort of time during their school day when they are not in live classes. The most successful students have schedules detailing what activities they will be working on during these times. The schedule should include time for independent coursework for classes, and also a couple of breaks throughout the day.
Planned check in times with student & Learning Coaches - students that have an active and engaged Learning Coach (LC) often have an easier transition to GCVS. It is important for students and LCs to have open commmunication for when questions/concerns arise spontaneously throughout the day. It is also important for students and LCs to have some planned times that they will specifically check in regarding coursework. Sometimes this is structured as a "check-in" and "check-out" process, where the LC checks in at the beginning of the school day making sure the student understands the schedule for that day and knows what they have for independent coursework, and then the student checks out with the LC at the end of their school day and the LC verifies all indepedent coursework has been completed.
If my child is interested in joining a club or becoming involved with their school, what should they do?
Students can fill out this survey if they are interested in joining a club: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc45O3N0L__oyMF2EQKR-tIzsX87Md0FuuIujE4uUGm2EL--A/viewform
Students will then be contacted by the clubs advisors with an invitation to join the club.
How can I determine if my child is meeting all graduation requirements?
Below is a list of the credits required for high school graduation from GCVS. All credits must be earned from high school level (or higher) classes. It is important to know that different high schools can have different graduation requirements, so requirements at your in town high school may look different.
English: 4 credits
Math: 4 credits, students must take Algebra 1, Geometry, Alegbra 2 and one additional Math class
Science: 3 credits
History: 3 credits, students must take at least 1 credit of US History and 1 credit of World History
World Language: 2 credits, must of the same language
Physical Education: 2 credits
Arts: 1 credit
Electives: 3-5 credits, students must earn a minimum of 3 credits from electives, and they must take at least 5 different electives
At GCVS, most year-long classes are worth 1 credit and most semester-long classes are worth .5 credits.
Students and/or Learning Coaches can also set up an individual meeting with their school counselor to complete a student credit review.