The first week of summer break!

Incoming JUNIORS and SENIORS, please check EVIT if you are interested in learning a trade, enrollment is still open for 3D Animation, Aesthetics, Automotive, Aviation, Culinary Arts, Fire Science, Nursing Assistance, Video Production, and more. Check the website here!

Here's our last QCVA Weekly Times Newsletter, please read for important information about QCVA next year.

Message from me: You made it! The end of a school year could not be as sweet as 2022. I am SOOO proud of you and all the many things you have accomplished and overcame this year. I’m glad to have been a part of your educational journey and a teeny part of your life. Families and friends, thank you for all your support! We could not have done it without you 😁 QCVA Students, my QCVA friends, cheers to your new chapters, write your story well, and change over the summer! Take this time to rediscover yourself and spark your to-dos and goals set on the back burner because you were too busy with school. This is the time to get fun stuff done. I will miss your faces/names 😁 Take care everyone, HAGS!

I leave you all with this classic hit from Surfaris "Wipe Out" 🌊🏄‍♀️ and this contemporary song from Tai Vedes "A-O-K" to soothe your souls 😁

Last week of the school year! What?!

I can't believe it, can you? Gosh, in four days, school will be out for the summer. Another school year in the books, another year closer to graduating. If there is one thing I have learned, time waits for no one. Whether you have accomplished something or sat on your bum, time will move on. That's why it's so precious is because you can't take it back and there's no assurance of the future.

I hope this year was a great year for you. If it wasn't great, I hope it was okay. As you move on to your next chapter, I hope you can make it a good one. I know you can! You are the author of your story, so write it well.

A final message to our Seniors, YOU MADE IT! May the next part of your journey bring you to greener pastures and lifetime friends. Cheers!

Grades 7-11, ace the finals. I will see you this week Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. You got this :)

P.S. Also, I have a short survey, please respond so I know what to do and improve on for next year. You'll be anonymous so don't fret lol. Thanks a bunch!

Remember to celebrate your success! You have made it to the end of the school year... and it is all because of YOU... and maybe a little or a lot of help from your family 😁 Either way, have a great summer!

Let me start this week’s announcement by talking to our Seniors. Sigh. I can’t believe that this is the last week of school. Next week is your graduation ceremony. The week after that, you will officially be an out-of-high school- young adult! Whoa!

I stumbled on this story, “A Senior’s Goodbye to High School” and it brought me back to how I felt when I graduated in 1996. Where I’m from, we didn’t have middle school in the 90s, so I graduated when I was only sixteen. I was worried, anxious, happy, uncertain, relieved, and felt a bunch of other emotions that I couldn’t even identify. Like a coin with two faces, I was terrified of what the future held, but overjoyed for the past that I’ve created as a high schooler. So Seniors, if you are in this same boat right now, read this story…

As you bid adieu to all things high school, let me send you off with some positive well-wishes. “You will do just fine! This is just but a step into your future!” The entirety of your life does not hinge on this one moment. What graduating does is setting up your path for what lies ahead. If you haven’t gotten the gist of the weekly theme I’ve been posting, know this, YOU ARE IN CHARGE OF YOU. You are resilient, you are loved, you are enough, you are you. As you take the next step into adulthood, make it a good one! If your step is unstable, it is okay… What is not okay, is not taking the step forward. I love you, Seniors! I wish nothing but the best and the inner strength to conquer most, if not all 😍

Grades 7 to 11, you will also get to this day when you are done with high school. As you take your steps, plan them carefully, take pride, and have fun! YOLO so make it a good one!

As we count down our finals days at QCVA, important things to remember:

1. Sign up for the Finals. If you have more than 3 classes, sign up for 2 sessions. This way you can take 3 tests in one session, and AVOID taking all 6 tests in one session. Read the FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) so you know what to expect. Here are some exam preparation strategies/tools to help.

2. Return your district-loaned Chromebooks/devices and charges so as NOT to get a fine.

3. Get Exempted from the Finals for English, Math, Social Studies, and Science. Read the Academic Incentives .

4. Take the District Assessment for Math and English. The district is collecting data about our wonderful QCVA students so please take those tests. NO need to come in person, yay! Just take them at home :) An email will be sent out for more information.

5. Register for the next school year and select your classes.

6. SENIORS- we have a selfie wall for you on Finals Week. Grab a friend or two and celebrate your success!!! Look sharp or wear your pajamas, no judgment here :) Congratulations to our first batch of graduates!!!

OUR SCHEDULE:

May 9 (Monday)

> Please join the optional Live Office Hours with Mrs. Rogers, 9:00 to 9:45 AM. Click here to join via Google Meets

> Please submit your timesheet in your Google Classroom Homerooms or you will be locked out of Edgenuity

May 10 (Tuesday)

> Please join the optional Live Office Hours with Mrs. Rogers, 9:00 to 9:45 AM. Click here to join via Google Meets

May 12 (Thursday)

SENIORS- Finals Testing

May 13 (Friday)

SENIORS- Finals Testing

QCVA WEEKLY TIMES newsletter has links to QCVA's activities this week.

It's gonna be May!

I don't like doing countdowns but it does offer a great perspective on time. Grades 7-11, you only have 11 days before the in-person Finals Exams on May 17, 18, and 19.

Seniors, you only have 8 days before the in-person Finals Exams on May 12 and 13.

IMPORTANT DATES: (please view the newsletter OR Calendar of Activities for information and links)

May 3- deadline to select QCVA courses for next school year 2022-23

May 4- Seniors must complete coursework for finals test exemption in core classes only

May 6- Deadline to sign up for Finals Week

May 6- Seniors must complete all coursework

May 6- Last Civics Exam hosted by Mr. Dillman

May 12-13 - Seniors finals test/cumulative exam in-person at QCJH

May 15 - Grades 7-11 must complete coursework for finals test exemption in core classes only

May 17-19 - Grades 7-11 finals test/cumulative exam in-person at QCJH

May 20 - No school, welcome summer!

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

1. Please read the FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) to prepare for the finals exams/cumulative tests

2. Please sign up for the finals exam, there is a different sign up for Grades 7-11 AND a different sign up for Seniors.

2. Please read the Academic Incentives to see how you can get exempted from taking the finals for your core classes- English, Math, Social Studies, and Science OR how to get 10% added to your final exam score

3. Students will be returning the Chromebooks/devices that were loaned by the district during finals week. So please make sure that you are done with schoolwork when you take the finals exam because you have to return the Chromebook you borrowed

4. Please reach out to facilitators should you need help- virtual meeting, call, email.

Quote for the Week: "A few bad chapters does not mean your story is over." This applies to many facets of our life. Sometimes, we hyper-focus on what is going wrong that we miss what is going right. Do not be hard on yourself and acknowledge the positive things! One cheesy quote says "Every day may not be good, but there's something good in every day."

Last week was rough, work-wise! I have been so busy at work that I did not have time to relax, have fun with my own kids, train my doggos, and do what I love- taking care of my plants. I started staying up late just so I can have enough time in the day to juggle all these things. Of course, I had to prioritize and put some things on the back burner (such as repotting my plants and propagating). There's a difference between URGENT and IMPORTANT, and there's also a fine line between the two. This Saturday, I attended my last teacher/civic duty for the school year, the Best Buddies Friendship Walk in Tempe. I was overjoyed to have participated in such a great cause and to find renewed gusto in raising awareness for people with intellectual and developmental (dis)abilities. After that walk, I rushed to my daughter's Arts Festival in Gilbert. She did not win an award but has been able to have her artwork in festivals three years in a row, for which I'm proud 😍 After that, I went and took pictures of my daughter and her friends for prom. It was glorious having to share this moment with her because it brought her happiness. After that, I went home and comatosed. I was soooo tired. The next day, was another round of stuff to do but I will not bore you with the details.

What I'm trying to say is that although life can "busy", the busy can also bring "happiness." What one may construe as a bad chapter can just be a bridge to what will happen next. It's not the end of your story, but only a chapter.

May this week bring you happiness and much-needed energy to finish your classes. You have accomplished so much since the school year started, being your own boss and managing your own time is tough! But you are doing it! Do not falter now, the end of the year is within reach! You got this!

OUR SCHEDULE:

May 2 (Monday)

> Please join the optional Live Office Hours with Mrs. Rogers, 9:00 to 9:45 AM. Click here to join via Google Meets

> Please submit your timesheet in your Google Classroom Homerooms or you will be locked out of Edgenuity

May 3 (Tuesday)

> Please join the optional Live Session with Mrs. Rogers, 9:00 to 9:45 AM. Click here to join via Google Meets We will go over tips on how to prepare for finals- the cumulative exam review and notes for the actual finals test.

May the 4th be with you!

May 5 (Thursday)

> Please join the optional Live Session with Mrs. Rogers, 9:00 to 9:45 AM. Click here to join via Google Meets We will be playing Jeopardy to review Literary Elements.

May 6 (Friday)

> Please join the optional Live Office Hours with Mrs. Rogers, 9:00 to 9:45 AM. Click here to join via Google Meets

> Fun Friday from 1:00 to 2:00ish. This will be our last round so please come! Click here to join the festivities via Google Meets. Click here to join the Google classroom.

Hello QCVA Friends!

I hope you had a productive and relaxing weekend 😁 I sure did. The highlight of my weekend was watching the QCHS Theatre Company’s production of the musical “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” with my son. To say that it was phenomenal is an understatement! I have snippets of the play in this week’s newsletter if you would like to view them.

For this week- insert “The Final Countdown” music - we have a lot to accomplish! Seniors you have 13 academic days before finals week. For Grades 7-11 you only have 16 academic days. This means that each day counts. Your classes have due dates to help you stay on track and us, facilitators, are available to help.

If you are falling behind, please take the extra time and effort to work a little more each day. Add a few hours over the weekends. Do not procrastinate. Postponing work will not only stress you out but will also make you anxious, which in turn will not help in retaining the information you are learning. Again, work at a consistent pace. Routine is not only great for your body, but for your mind as well.

For students who are on pace, hat tip to you! I know that it took a lot of effort and sacrifices to be where you are at and for that, I am so proud of you! Keep your spark and enhance your routine, this self-discipline of yours will serve you well in life. Take this time to review your scores and grades- ask for retakes and resubmit coursework if you want a better score.

Remember that students can get exempted from the finals test/cumulative exam in core classes (English, Math, Science, Social Studies) if all coursework is completed before finals week, an actual grade of 90% or over is earned, and timesheets submitted weekly. Students may also get a 10% added to the finals test/cumulative exam by attending 5 live sessions. More information can be located in the QCVA Academic Incentives document.

Food for thought: Henry Ford (founder of Ford Motor Company and pioneer of the assembly line) said- “Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off the goal.” Keep your eyes on the prize, QCVA friend. You can do difficult things!

IMPORTANT DATES: (please view the newsletter for information and links)

May 1- deadline to sign up for Summer School

May 3- deadline to select QCVA courses for next school year 2022-23

May 4- Seniors must complete coursework for finals test exemption in core classes only

May 6- Seniors must complete all coursework

May 6- Last Civics Exam hosted by Mr. Dillman

May 12-13 - Seniors finals test/cumulative exam in-person at QCJH

May 15- Grades 7-11 must complete coursework for finals test exemption in core classes only

May 17-19 - Grades 7-11 finals test/cumulative exam in-person at QCJH

May 20- No school, welcome summer!

THIS WEEK:

April 25 (Monday)

> Please join the optional Live Office Hours with Mrs. Rogers, 9:00 to 9:45 AM. Click here to join via Google Meets

> Please submit your timesheet in your Google Classroom Homerooms or you will be locked out of Edgenuity

April 26 (Tuesday)

> Please join the optional Live Office Hours with Mrs. Rogers, 9:00 to 9:45 AM. Click here to join via Google Meets

April 28 (Thursday)

> Please join the optional Live Office Hours with Mrs. Rogers, 9:00 to 9:45 AM. Click here to join via Google Meets

April 29 (Friday)

> Please join the optional Live Office Hours with Mrs. Rogers, 9:00 to 9:45 AM. Click here to join via Google Meets

> Fun Friday from 1:00 to 2:00ish. Mr. Dillman is hosting this round of "I Got You Fooled." Click here to join the festivities via Google Meets. Click here to join the Google classroom.

QCVA WEEKLY TIMES newsletter has links to QCVA's activities this week.

Hello, Friends!

It feels like it has been ages since I last posted announcements. As you know, State Testing is now winding down and we are on our third week. QCVA Staff is still reaching out to students who need to come in for testing. We are calling on 9th graders to complete ACT Aspire (Day 1 English, Math, and Reading; Day 2 Science and Writing). Please take the time to visit the QCVA website for more information, tips, and preparation.

Also, I just want to give a huge shout-out to all of you who participated 😍 This is me with hearts as eyes because I'm sooo thankful for your effort in coming in person and giving your best. I know that some of you are big fans of state testing and look forward to it every year, but for some, testing brings a lot of anxiety and doubt. This year, you can say that you have conquered another year of testing... you should be proud of yourself because you accomplished something difficult! I wish that you all scored well, or better yet, have improved scores from last year. Again, thank you for coming in. It was great seeing your faces and having the halls of QCVA filled with students from 3rd grade all the way to 11th! I loved our chats and conversations, they were the highlight of my day 😍

This has been the mood at work lately,

“ME: Will it be hot, cold, sunny, or rainy today?”

“SPRING: Yes.”

As a planner, uncertainties or emergencies do not sit well with me. Planning, preparing, and proctoring state testing feels like hot, cold, sunny, and rainy all at once. Administering standardized tests has been difficult, BUT I am surviving 😅 I’m learning to roll with the punches (sort of) and take it like a champ (kinda). I hope that these last few weeks, if they were a whirlwind of sorts, have not soured your mood for spring or school. Know that you are in charge of your attitude and your response to hot/cold/sunny/rainy. YOU are in charge of YOU!

This week, we are going to try to normalize by having a more consistent schedule.

April 18 (Monday)

> Please join the optional Live Office Hours with Mrs. Rogers, 9:00 to 9:45 AM. Click here to join via Google Meets

> Please submit your timesheet in your Google Classroom Homerooms or you will be locked out of Edgenuity

April 19 (Tuesday)

> Please join the optional Live Office Hours with Mrs. Rogers, 9:00 to 9:45 AM. Click here to join via Google Meets

April 21 (Thursday)

> Please join the optional Live Office Hours with Mrs. Rogers, 9:00 to 9:45 AM. Click here to join via Google Meets

April 22 (Friday)

> Please join the optional Live Office Hours with Mrs. Rogers, 9:00 to 9:45 AM. Click here to join via Google Meets

>10th Graders: If you are prepared, please take the CIVICS EXAM, 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The links for registration and study materials are in the attached newsletter.

IMPORTANT STUFF:

*Please take the time to view the QCVA Weekly Times newsletter, some of our QCVA friends are performing on stage on April 21, 22, and 23 “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” show starts at 7:00 PM.

*Also, if you would like to support and raise awareness for people with intellectual disabilities, consider registering/ donating to the Best Buddies Friendship Walk on April 30. The links and information are in the newsletter, join our team- QCVA Friends.

I wish you all a wonderful week. Keep on track, stay on pace! Take care :)

QCVA WEEKLY TIMES newsletter has links to QCVA's activities this week.

Click here to view QCVA's Calendar of Activities.

Is it a Wednesday?

Yes, it is! We have state testing this week, so life is a little bit hectic. Please be mindful of our testing dates. QCVA communicates mainly by email so please check your accounts. This announcement is short and sweet.

IMPORTANT DATES:

Grades 7 and 8: State Test AASA and AzSci for English, Math, and Science are scheduled for April 4, 6-8, 11-14

Grade 9: State Test for ACT ASPIRE is scheduled for April 18-21

Grade 10: You lucky, no state tests for you 😂

Grade 11: ACT test must be completed on April 5, State Test AzSci is scheduled for April 11-14

Grade 12: May 4 or 6- last day to submit coursework, May 12-13 Finals Testing, May 18-19 Graduation Walk

Finals Testing Week for Grades 7-11: May 18 and 19

2nd week of Quarter 4!

I hope that everyone has settled into the routine of being back in school. If you think of taking this week off, please don’t 😅. Maybe you can rest today but please try your hardest to get back into the swing of things soon. We only have seven weeks or about 33 academic days before finals testing. For seniors, you only have about 30 days. Every week that passes, we are down 5 days. Crazy, right?

This week, facilitators will be pulling grade reports for students. This means that we will be following up with your course progress and grades next week. Cue videos, emails, and calls. If you are on track with your progress and grades, rest easy, you are off the hook! Give yourself a pat on the back, do a little celebratory dance, and tell your loved ones about it so they can share your excitement. Yay, you!

If you are not on track and your grades are not where you want them to be, please catch up with schoolwork this week, tackle tasks one at a time, breathe, and tell your loved ones so they can support you. You can also tell us, facilitators, because we are here to help you. We are all on this “school” journey together!

This week’s quote is pretty straightforward- “I am who I am today because of the choices I made yesterday,” Eleanor Roosevelt. Make yourself proud and jump on the opportunities that come your way; overcome the hurdles in front of you. You are resilient, QCVA friend. State testing has nothing on you, you can do this!

Please prepare for next week’s state testing and sign-up! Please take the time to view QCVA website for State Testing Information. Facilitators will be contacting students who have not signed up.

URGENT: Grade 11- ACT is on April 5 and that’s the only day to test. So please look at QCVA’s test website to prepare and sign up.

IMPORTANT DATES:

Grades 7 and 8: State Test AASA and AzSci for English, Math, and Science are scheduled for April 4, 6-8, 11-14

Grade 9: State Test for ACT ASPIRE is scheduled for April 18-21

Grade 10: You lucky, no state tests for you 😂

Grade 11: ACT test must be completed on April 5, State Test AzSci is scheduled for April 11-14

Grade 12: May 4 or 6- last day to submit coursework, May 12-13 Finals Testing, May 18-19 Graduation Walk

Finals Testing Week for Grades 7-11: May 18 and 19

This week our schedule is:

Mar 28 (Monday)

> Please join the optional Live Office Hours with Mrs. Rogers, 9:00 to 9:45 AM. Click here to join via Google Meets

> Please submit your timesheet in your Google Classroom Homerooms or you will be locked out of Edgenuity

Mar 29 (Tuesday)

> We will familiarize ourselves with the testing website and testing tools. Please join the optional Live Office Hours with Mrs. Rogers, 9:00 to 9:45 AM. Click here to join via Google Meets

Mar 31(Thursday)

> We will go over expectations on testing day and review our test preparation tools. Please join the optional Live Office Hours with Mrs. Rogers, 9:00 to 9:45 AM. Click here to join via Google Meets

Mar 25 (Friday)

> Please join the optional Live Office Hours with Mrs. Rogers, 9:00 to 9:45 AM. Click here to join via Google Meets

> Fun Friday on April 1st from 1:00 to 2:00ish. Mr. Dillman is hosting this round of "I Got You Fooled." Click here to join the festivities via Google Meets. Click here to join the Google classroom.

QCVA WEEKLY TIMES newsletter has links to QCVA's activities this week.

Click here to view QCVA's Calendar of Activities.

Welcome back!

This is the last quarter of the year. My, how time has flown. I hope that you all had a wonderful spring break and are ready to tackle the next few weeks. I'm telling you, in a blink of an eye, school will be out for the summer. So gather every ounce of your energy, exert your best effort, communicate to your facilitators if you have concerns, and look forward! It's the final stretch of this year's schooling marathon so don't give up!

IMPORTANT DATES:

Grades 7 and 8: State Test AASA and AzSci for English, Math, and Science are scheduled for April 4, 6-8, 11-14

Grade 9: State Test for ACT ASPIRE is scheduled for April 18-21

Grade 10: you lucky, no state tests for you 😂

Grade 11: ACT test must be completed on April 5, AzSci is scheduled for April 11-14

Grade 12: May 4 or 6- last day to submit coursework, May 12-13 Finals Testing, May 18-19 Graduation Walk

Finals Testing Week for Grades 7-11: May 18 and 19

Grades 7, 8, 9, and 11- please take the time to sign up for the state tests and prepare for them. Please click here to view the document/videos on how to familiarize yourself with the sample test websites and the tools for the tests.

Please check the QCVA website for more detailed information, click here. Facilitators will be contacting those who have not registered yet. If you have concerns, please reach out to your homeroom advisors- Ms. Reid sreid@qcusd.org for Grades 7, 8, and 9; and Mr. McDonald jmcdonald2@qcusd.org for Grade 11.

This week our schedule is:

Mar 21 (Monday)

> Please join the optional Live Office Hours with Mrs. Rogers, 9:00 to 9:45 AM. Click here to join via Google Meets

Mar 22 (Tuesday)

> Please join the optional Live Office Hours with Mrs. Rogers, 9:00 to 9:45 AM. Click here to join via Google Meets

Mar 24 (Thursday)

> Please join the optional Live Office Hours with Mrs. Rogers, 9:00 to 9:45 AM. Click here to join via Google Meets

Mar 25 (Friday)

> Please join the optional Live Office Hours with Mrs. Rogers, 9:00 to 9:45 AM. Click here to join via Google Meets

> Fun Friday on February 25 from 1:00 to 2:00ish. Ms. Reid is hosting this round so you know it will be fun. Click here to join the festivities via Google Meets. Click here to join the Google classroom.

Let us start Quarter 4 with gusto and renewed enthusiasm. Find your spark and keep it lit 🔥, you got this QCVA friend!

(*lit- verb, past & past participle for "light")

2nd day of Spring Break!

This announcement will be short and sweet because there are no academic activities this week 😅

I hope that all of you are enjoying the break (OR taking the time to catch up with school).

Students with Target Date March 2, CLASSES WILL REMAIN OPEN UNTIL MARCH 10. So if you have not completed your coursework, submit them soon before classes are disabled. Once again, students who did not complete their final tests/cumulative exams will earn a zero score. All incomplete coursework will also receive zero points. So what are you waiting for, submit quality coursework to boost your grade!

Please view our QCVA weekly times for information about the Seniors' Table, Student Summit on March 10, Civics Test, State Testing, and more importantly ACT for 11th graders (resources can be located in the QCVA website).

No words of wisdom for this week other than well-wishes! I truly hope that you enjoy this break. Reconnect with significant people and rejuvenate your souls.

Peace.

Enjoy spring break!

Adios Quarter 3!

For week 9, I am reminded of the quote “The sleep of a laboring man is sweet.” I think it is a bible verse but I’m unsure. My dad would often quote this when he knows that tough times are ahead of us school-aged kids. It is to reassure us that after working hard, our sleep will be sound and our souls content. He was right. There is a sense of gratification in accomplishing difficult tasks!

For students whose classes are ending this week, Target Date March 1-2, it is finals week for your courses. I’m sure that you have given your all, burned the midnight oil, had to say no to a handful of gimmicks along with some personal sacrifices… but here you are! You should be proud of yourself. I'll see you this week for your cumulative exam and wish you all the best, I'm sending all the universe's positive vibes to you. Taking tests can be nerve-racking, and emotionally draining. However, you can spare or alleviate these feelings by preparing for the test. One of the best preparation tools is found right in your Edgenuity class- the CUMULATIVE EXAM REVIEW. Take this step seriously. If you need more attempts to practice, let your facilitators know. The cumulative review is a good mirror of the cumulative/finals test. If you need additional test preparation tools, view our CLASS RESOURCES for topics such as test anxiety, strategies for multiple-choice questions, reading difficult texts, overcoming test fatigue, and others. Please view the newsletter for links. Preparation is key! You got this, QCVA friend 😅

For students whose classes are ending in quarter 4, Target Date May 17, you got off the hook this time 😆. So rest easy this week but do not slack. Complete your coursework on or before due dates, submit quality work to get exempted from the finals test/cumulative exam, or do live appearances to get an additional 10% on your finals test score. Remember, that school is a marathon, not a sprint so continue to work at a good steady pace. By doing so, you can store what you are learning in your brains and recall when you need to apply it sometime in the future. It would stink if you forgot what you learned this year, that would be a waste.

This week is a busy week for us facilitators since we need to proctor for the exams and grade school work, so I will be somewhat unavailable but I will try my hardest to stay connected, please be patient if I'm taking forever to email back or unlock tests, sorry in advance.

I hope everyone has an amazing week and hope your sleep is “sweet” from all your “labor.”

FEB 28 (Monday): Please join the optional Live Office Hours with Mrs. Rogers, 9:00 to 9:45 AM. Click here to join via Google Meets

> Please submit your timesheets in your Homerooms or get locked out of Edgenuity

MAR 1 (Tuesday): Please join the optional Live Office Hours with Mrs. Rogers, 9:00 to 9:45 AM. Click here to join via Google Meets

MAR 2 (Wednesday): Finals Test/Cumulative Exam at QCJH

MAR 3 (Thursday): Finals Test/Cumulative Exam at QCJH

MAR 4 (Friday): Finals Test/Cumulative Exam at QCJH

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:

Spring Break: March 7 to 18. Have Fun! (Facilitators will be out March 14-18)

Grades 7 and 8: State Testing for English and Math are scheduled for April 4, 6-8, 11-14, 18-22

Grade 9: State Testing for ACT ASPIRE is scheduled for April 18-21

Grade 11: ACT test must be completed on April 5

QCVA WEEKLY TIMES newsletter has links to QCVA's activities this week.

Smooth Sailing into Week 8!

Entering this week had me thinking of the song- CELEBRATION by Kool and the Gang- "There's a party goin' on right here, a celebration to last throughout the years. So bring your good times, and your laughter, too, we gonna celebrate your party with you!"

A lot has happened since last week- I attended my first drum circle under the full moon, my friends and I went to Cocina Madrigal, my daughter and her friends celebrated her 17th birthday Dancing Queen style at August Karaoke Box, my 14y/o son got his first job eeeeee! I must say this week was just all celebrations. Celebrations of little things!

Yesterday, I told my husband that our family was celebrating twosday 2.22.22 by getting dinner and treating ourselves to those Crumbl cookies we normally don’t get unless we’re commemorating something. He said, “You and the kids are constantly finding stuff to celebrate.” To which I responded, “Yes! Always!” Small celebrations of simple things.

We only have 5 academic days before in-person testing OR 8 academic days before spring break. You should be proud of yourself for making it this far! Whether you have the final test/cumulative exam exemption in the bag OR catching up and burning the midnight oil to finish your classes- You.Are.Here.Celebrate.

I know, sometimes, we don’t feel like celebrating because there is nothing to celebrate. But, celebrating is not just partying, celebrating is also acknowledging. We acknowledge that something good has happened, therefore we celebrate.

This week, I celebrate with all of you! As the celestial bodies in the universe align this week, I send you all positive universe vibes for your personal lives, your school, and all your endeavors. Cheers to smooth sailing into Week 8!

IMPORTANT REMINDERS!

For students whose classes are ending on March 1-2, in-person finals are just around the corner on March 2, 3, 4. Click here to sign up, if you haven't yet, please sign up now! Click here to read the Finals Frequently Asked Questions. If you have concerns, please reach out to your homeroom advisor or any of the facilitators ASAP. No extensions will be granted this quarter so please make sure to complete your coursework before the finals test/cumulative exam.

Please take the time to view our test preparation materials in our English Google Classroom under CLASS RESOURCES:

> Test Anxiety, is it treatable?

> Test-taking strategies for Multiple-Choice tests

> Strategies for reading difficult texts

> Overcoming test fatigue

Grades 7 and 8: State Testing for English and Math are scheduled for April 4, 6-8, 11-14, 18-22

Grade 9: State Testing for ACT ASPIRE is scheduled for April 18-21

Grade 11: ACT test must be completed on April 5

FEB 22 (Twosday)

> Please join the optional Live Office Hours with Mrs. Rogers, 9:00 to 9:45 AM. Click here to join via Google Meets

> Please submit your timesheets in your Homerooms or get locked out of Edgenuity

FEB 24 (Thursday)

> Please join the optional Live Session with Mrs. Rogers, 9:00 to 9:45 AM. Click here to join via Google Meets. We will go over our test preparation materials readily available in our CLASS RESOURCES.

FEB 25 (Friday)

> Please join the optional Live Office Hours with Mrs. Rogers, 9:00 to 9:45 AM. Click here to join via Google Meets

> 7th-12th grade- Fun Friday on February 25 from 1:00 to 1:20. We are doing a Mine Craft Rematch, 3 rounds of 5 questions to determine the ultimate Mine Craft master. Click here to join the festivities via Google Meets. Click here to join the classroom .

QCVA WEEKLY TIMES newsletter has links to QCVA's activities this week.

Steadfast into Week 7! Fourteen academic days and the quarter is over!

This week, we start off with Valentine's Day. Happy Hearts Day to everyone! Here is a Valentine's inspired Jeopardy game you can play with your folks and friends- https://jeopardylabs.com/play/alive-valentines-jeopardy-6

We have several important reminders:

FEB 17 and 18: AASA Field Testing for Grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8. See the attached document for more information

FEB 21: President's Day, no school

FEB 24: Deadline for SENIORS to submit the requirements to walk for graduation

MARCH 2, 3, and 4: Finals Test/Cumulative Exam for students with classes whose Target Dates are March 1 and 2. Please see the documents to sign-up and for more information. Please be mindful of the Academic Incentives deadline to get exempted from the finals (Feb 27, must get an actual grade of 90% and over)

MARCH 7-18: Spring Break, no school.

For this Week:

I would like to focus on LOVE- self-love, and love for others.

I would like to put emphasis on self-love first because I think that it is one of the foundations for a STRONG YOU. As I have walked and experienced life, once as a kid like you and now as an adult with teen kids like you, I have realized the importance of self-love. In life's journey, there are many times where one will travel alone- perhaps through grief, loss, chaos, strife, trauma, hopelessness, etc. One is traveling “alone” in the sense that the conflict one is experiencing is internal. Sure, you may have family and friends supporting you, but you are going through this internal conflict. During these times, it is important to love yourself. By loving yourself, you create a strong you.

Love for others is another concept that plays dearly in my heart. Life’s journey is hard… since all forms of life (human and animal) travel this road, may we extend kindness to our fellow travelers. Loving others come in many forms, most of which are simple and even unnoticeable. A story that often comes to mind is from Winnie the Pooh, Piglet, and Eeyore. I think they understand what loving others mean.

Finally, I would like to leave you all with something to uplift your souls. As you know, musicals are my jam, so here is something for you to ruminate on. “How do you measure the life of a man or a woman? Measure your life in love.” [Seasons of Love, RENT].

Please take the time to view all the snippets above in the document WEEK SEVEN POST MENTIONS. It will enrich your lives, I promise.

FEB 14 (Monday)

> Optional Live Office Hours for tutoring with Mrs. Rogers, 9:00 to 9:45 AM. Click here to join via Google Meets

> Please remember to submit your Time Sheets for the week so you will not get locked out.

> Play a round with your significant people: https://jeopardylabs.com/play/alive-valentines-jeopardy-6

FEB 15 (Tuesday)

> Today we will listen to an author interview "Funny person Georgia Pritchett writes about her life and her anxiety." Please join the optional Live Session with Mrs. Rogers, 9:00 to 9:45 AM. Click here to join via Google Meets

FEB 17(Thursday)

> AASA Field Testing for Grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8

FEB 18 (Friday)

> AASA Field Testing for Grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8

7th-12th grade- Fun Friday on February 18 from 1:00 to 1:20. We are doing a Black History Month-themed Activity. Click here to join the festivities via Google Meets. Click here to join the classroom

QCVA WEEKLY TIMES newsletter has links to QCVA's activities this week.

Week 6! Do you know that after this week, you only have three weeks left? Yep!

I have to admit, today, when I got out of bed I felt tired.

Perhaps because my little family is bereaved, hence a little emotionally tired... or... I'm just physically tired... Whatever it is, I went about my morning routine and thought about how this week will pan out. I remembered that it is "Black History Month", my daughter's birthday is coming up, then there's Valentine's Day, and I have an exclusive tiny party for Presidents' Day. I smiled as I thought about the simple happenings coming up.

As you go about your week, as routine as school can be, I hope that you also find joy in the simple things... because life is made up of simple things, and it's the simple things that makeup life 😁😊 Let me share a quote- "I don't want to look back in five years' time and think, "I could have been magnificent, but I was afraid." In five years I want to tell of how fear tried to cheat me out of the best things in life, and I didn't let it."

If you are like me and feeling somewhat a little tired, it's okay. We can rest, but we can't stop. If you're feeling anxious because you are behind in school, it's okay. You can anguish, but keep working. If you're feeling that you are done, it's okay, let that feeling pass but do not let that feeling consume you. As Maya Angelou said, "You may trod me in the very dirt, but still, like dust, I'll rise."

You got this, QCVA friends! One day, one step, one assignment at a time... rise!

Rise, rise, rise!

FEB 7 (Monday)

> Optional Live Office Hours for tutoring with Mrs. Rogers, 9:00 to 9:45 AM. Click here to join via Google Meets

> Please remember to submit your Time Sheets for the week so you will not get locked out.

FEB 8 (Tuesday)

> Today we go over Strategy 6- Dual Coding. Please join the optional Live Session with Mrs. Rogers, 9:00 to 9:45 AM. Click here to join via Google Meets

FEB 10 (Thursday)

> Optional Live Office Hours for tutoring with Mrs. Rogers, 9:00 to 9:45 AM. Click here to join via Google Meets

FEB 11 (Friday)

> Optional Live Office Hours for tutoring with Mrs. Rogers, 9:00 to 9:45 AM. Click here to join via Google Meets

>CIVICS TEST with Mr. Dillman, please check the QCVA Weekly Times for more information. This is an in-person test at Queen Creek Junior High.

>7th-12th grade- Fun Friday on January 11 from 1:00 to 1:20. We are doing a VALENTINES Activity. Click here to join the festivities via Google Meets. Click here to join the classroom

VERY VERY IMPORTANT DATES: (see QCVA Weekly Times for more info)

* Feb 17 & 18- AASA Field Writing Test for Grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8

* Feb 21- Presidents' Day, no school

* Feb 24- SENIORS, deadline to submit the requirements to walk for graduation

For students who have 3 courses, are taking their Second Set of courses, Target Date March 1 or 2:

* Feb 27- please complete all coursework for A classes and get an actual grade of 90% or over to get exempted from the finals test/cumulative exam. Exempted students will be notified via email before finals testing

* March 2- please complete all coursework for A classes before taking the in-person finals test/cumulative exam. Otherwise, a zero "0" score will be given for all incomplete coursework

* March 3, 4, 5- Finals Test/Cumulative Exams week, in-person testing will be at Queen Creek Junior High. A sign-up will be sent soon.

>QCVA WEEKLY TIMES newsletter has links to QCVA's activities this week.

Howdy! Propelling on to Week 5!

We are moving forward, full speed ahead! Next thing you know, we will be saying hello to spring. Wow, how time flies. As always, there is no time to waste or idle. Keep yourselves busy and stay motivated. It is okay to take a break, chill, or have an off day...but... it is never okay to stop, stay stagnant, or quit. Take a breather if you must, but do not stop.

Take one day at a time, break up your tasks into smaller chunks, and do not overthink 😅 You're brain and its negative thoughts can be a terrible enemy... and your thoughts can spiral out of control... so keep your thoughts "light." If you are getting anxious, it is okay. What is not okay is allowing yourself to be consumed by it. Surround yourself with a strong support system. Seek professional help and know that you are loved... because YOU ARE LOVED and YOU MATTER!

For those who have decided to switch gears and take up their schooling to the next level- push yourselves a bit more! I know you can do it! Here's a quote for you- "A comfort zone is the most dangerous area anyone can stay in. It is a place of no growth and no challenges" (Brian Cagney). So grow, grow, grow!

Here is a website on how to get out of your comfort zone, caution external site. There's a slew of other sites you can also check with even better infographics.

Aaaand, I will be partially out this week, I'm so sorry! I will occasionally check my email and Edgenuity email so you can still reach out. If you need assistance:

Ms. Reid, Science 7-12, Homeroom grades 7-9, sreid@qcusd.org

Mr. McDonald, Math 7-12, Homeroom 11th grade, jmcdonald2@qcusd.org

Mr. Dillman, Social Studies, Homeroom 12th grade, cdillman@qcusd.org

Ms. Prince, Special Ed and Intervention, Grades K-12, jprince@qcusd.org

Here's our schedule:

JAN 31 (Monday)

> Mrs. Rogers is absent.

> Please submit your timesheet.

FEB 1 (Tuesday)

> Mrs. Rogers is absent.

FEB 2 (Wednesday)

> Mrs. Rogers is absent.

FEB 3 (Thursday)

> Today we go over Strategy 5- CONCRETE EXAMPLES. Please join the optional Live Session with Mrs. Rogers, 9:00 to 9:45 AM. Click here to join via Google Meets

> UPDATE: QCVA is hosting a Professional Success Career Fair from 12:00 to 3:00 PM. Please join via Google Meets NICKNAME: QCVA Career Fair. Please see this linked flyer for more information. A Dutch Bros gift card will be drawn for every presentation so be sure to attend for a chance to win!

FEB 4 (Friday)

> Optional Live Office Hours for tutoring with Mrs. Rogers, 9:00 to 9:45 AM. Click here to join via Google Meets

7th-12th grade- Fun Friday on February 4 at 1:00 to 1:20.

Click here to join the festivities via Google Meets

Click here to join the classroom

>QCVA WEEKLY TIMES newsletter has links to QCVA's activities this week.

What?! It's already Week 4 and we are halfway into this quarter. Woooo hoooo!

Some of you students are taking the second set of 3 courses. Some are taking 6 courses. Some are taking your regular classes in addition to credit recovery classes. Whatever your class load is, I encourage you to KEEP GOING. Now is not the time to falter. Be mindful of your deadlines as time seems to fly extra fast during the last half of the school year. Aaaaaannnnd as always, we facilitators are here to help so please reach out.

Please note, students who are taking the second set of their 3 courses have 26 academic days before the in-person finals on March 2-4. So make each day count and put in those extra hours, account for emergencies, and give yourself a safe buffer to complete coursework before the March 1 deadline.

As for students who have six courses, do the same. Remember that time literally does not wait nor stop for anyone LOL.

This week, JUNIORS- do not forget the ASVAB Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery in-person test on January 28. Please refer to the attached QCVA Weekly Times newsletter and Mr. McDonald's posts and emails.

JAN 24 (Monday)

> Optional Live Office Hours for tutoring with Mrs. Rogers, 9:00 to 9:45 AM. Click here to join via Google Meets

> Please remember to submit your Time Sheets for the week so you will not get locked out.

JAN 25 (Tuesday)

> Today we go over Strategy 3- ELABORATION. Please join the optional Live Session with Mrs. Rogers, 9:00 to 9:45 AM. Click here to join via Google Meets

JAN 27 (Thursday)

> Today we go over Strategy 4- INTERLEAVING. Please join the optional Live Session with Mrs. Rogers, 9:00 to 9:45 AM. Click here to join via Google Meets

JAN 28 (Friday)

> Optional Live Office Hours for tutoring with Mrs. Rogers, 9:00 to 9:45 AM. Click here to join via Google Meets https://meet.google.com/hfe-dtwc-xew

7th-12th grade- FUN FRIDAY on January 28 at 1:00 to 1:20. Click here to join the festivities via Google Meets. Click here to join the classroom

>QCVA WEEKLY TIMES newsletter has links to QCVA's activities this week.

Welcome back!

I hope that you enjoyed your long weekend and more importantly, took the time to look back into our nation's civil rights history. Yesterday, "QCVA celebrated the Civil Rights Movement and honored Martin Luther King Jr and those who played an integral part in this momentous change in America's history." Take some time to listen to several podcasts about this crucial era through NPR.org- caution external site.

This week, we have a lot of deadlines and important dates. Information about all was included in last week's newsletter sent out to parents/guardians, posts in your grade-level homeroom Google Classroom, and emails from your homeroom advisors:

> SENIORS- Career Exploration Internships forms due on January 19. Please refer to the attached QCVA Weekly Times newsletter and Mr. Dillman's posts and emails.

> 9th-12th grade- QCHS Morp Dance on January 22. Please refer to the attached QCVA Weekly Times newsletter and Mr. Dillman's posts and emails.

> 7th-12th grade FUN FRIDAY on January 21 at 1:00 to 1:20. Click here to join the festivities via Google Meets. Click here to join the Google classroom.

4. JUNIORS- ASVAB Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery in-person test on January 28. Please refer to the attached QCVA Weekly Times newsletter and Mr. McDonald's posts and emails.

<<< For English Class >>>

JAN 17 (Monday)

> No School

>Please remember to submit your Time Sheets for the week so you will not get locked out.

JAN 18 (Tuesday)

> We are discussing the first strategy to effective learning- SPACED PRACTICE. Join the optional Live Session with Mrs. Rogers, 9:00 to 9:45ish AM. Click here to join via Google Meets ​

JAN 20 (Thursday)

> Today we go over the second strategy- RETRIEVAL PRACTICE. Please join the optional Live Session with Mrs. Rogers, 9:00 to 9:45 AM. Click here to join via Google Meets

JAN 21 (Friday)

> Optional Live Office Hours for tutoring with Mrs. Rogers, 9:00 to 9:45 AM. Click here to join via Google Meets

>QCVA WEEKLY TIMES newsletter has links to QCVA's activities this week and more information about the happenings in our school.

Week 2! Starting the year right 😍

I can't stress how important it is to set yourself up for success. The best way to do that is to do things right the first time 😉 I know, it sounds redundant and plain, but doing things right truly helps prevent you from a lot of self-corrections, hassle, and "emergencies". This quarter only has nine weeks and 2 holidays so it is best to maintain your pace and keep track of your progress. Remember to reach out to your facilitators when you need help and not to wait for the last two or three weeks to complete your coursework. Our goal - meaning yours and mine- is for you to pass your classes and successfully finish this school year.

Here's our week and important information to revisit:

JAN 10 (Monday)

> Please remember to submit your Time Sheets for the week so you will not get locked out.

JAN 11 (Tuesday)

> This week we’re taking the moment to get to know each other a bit. Join the optional Live Session with Mrs. Rogers, 9:00 to 9:45ish AM. Click here to join via Google Meets. ​ We have a Semester 2 "HEY YOU!" Padlet activity.

JAN 13 (Thursday)

> Let's prepare for the new quarter by going over some tips and tricks to be more efficient and effective students. Please join the optional Live Session with Mrs. Rogers, 9:00 to 9:45 AM. Click here to join via Google Meets

JAN 14 (Friday)

> Optional Live Office Hours for tutoring with Mrs. Rogers, 9:00 to 9:45 AM. Click here to join via Google Meets

>FUN FRIDAY at 1:00 to 1:20ish, click here to join the festivities via Google Meets . Click here to join the classroom.

>QCVA WEEKLY TIMES newsletter- it has information about the 8th-grade Civics Test on January 13, the Meet the Teacher presentation and meeting recording, December 2021 graduates, and many more!

>Academic Incentives- please revisit the requirements to get exempted from the Finals and/or get 10% added to your final/cumulative exam score.

Welcome back QCVA Friends 😁 We hope that you have taken the time to relax and refresh during our holiday break.

Semester 2 awaits new beginnings and opportunities to improve. We challenge you to tackle this last half of our school year with gusto! This is it, give it all you got 🤠 Remember, we QCVA facilitators are your biggest fans and are always rooting for your success. You got this!

Please join us virtually on Thursday, January 6 for "Meet The Teachers". We will be revisiting resources, tips for success, important information about QCVA, and more. Join via Google Meets 5:30 to 6:00 PM

If you can't make it then, we will have another run on Friday, January 7 at 11:30 to 12:00 noon

See you then! Parents, significant adults, and siblings are welcome!