Enrollment and Student Records

Parents/Guardians are required to notify Ohio Virtual Academy any time there has been a change of address.  In order for the change to go into effect, Proof of Residency is required in the legal guardian’s name. Access to the online form may be found HERE.      

 Parents should also notify their advisor of any of the following changes.  

• • • Student Name (legal documentation required)

    • Legal Guardian’s Name (legal documentation required)

    • New Address (proof of residence required)

    • Move-in Date

    • Phone Number

    • Shipping/Mailing Address

 Ohio Virtual Academy asks all returning families to verify their home address in our system during re-registration and throughout the school year. Residency Records will be reviewed on a monthly basis throughout the year. All returning families are required to submit a new proof of residency document annually (via our online form) as well. These documents must be dated no earlier than July 1st of the current year.

If the address on file is different from the current address being submitted, a change of address request via our website is required. Proof of residency must comply with OHVA’s Proof of Residency Guidelines. 

Consistent residency within the state of Ohio is required throughout the school year and students are required to be physically present in Ohio while the school year is in session.  Your advisor should be made aware of any extended travel outside of Ohio and such travel shall be reviewed by OHVA Administrators to ensure it aligns with state and school requirements.

Title VII – B; Education for Homeless Children & Youth Program

Definition:

The Ohio Virtual Academy defines any homeless children and youth according to the Federal McKinney-Vento Homeless definition, as individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. The term includes children and youth who are:

·   Sharing housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason.

·   Living in emergency or transitional shelters.

·   Abandoned in hospitals or

·      Children and youth who have a primary residence that is a public or private place not designed for, or ordinarily used as, a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings.

·   Children and youth who are living in cars, parks, public space, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar setting; and

·   Migratory children who qualify as homeless because they are living in circumstances described above.

Responsibilities of Ohio Virtual Academy:

With regard to homeless children and youth designated under paragraph (1)(J)(ii) in the Federal McKinney-Vento Act, Ohio Virtual Academy shall ensure that:

·   Homeless children and youth are identified by school personnel and through coordination activities with other entities and agencies.

·   Appoint a homeless student district liaison responsible for the coordination of services for such children – OHVA’s homeless liaison is Heidi Ragar, hragar@k12.com

·   Homeless students enrolled in Ohio Virtual Academy will have a full and equal opportunity to succeed in curriculum.

·   Homeless children and youth and their families will receive educational services for which such families, children, and youths are eligible, Special Education and related services, and referrals to health care, mental health, dental, and other appropriate services.

·   Parents or guardians of homeless children and youth are informed of educational and related opportunities available to their children and are provided with meaningful opportunities to participate in the education of their children.

·   Parents and guardians and unaccompanied youth are fully informed of all transportation services.

·   Enrollment disputes will be mediated in accordance with the requirements of the McKinney-Vento Act.

·   Public notice of educational rights of homeless students will be disseminated appropriately on the OHVA website and provided to parents upon enrollment.

In meeting these responsibilities, Ohio Virtual Academy will coordinate with homeless families in the following activities:

·   The immediate enrollment in school and accessing school services.

·   Services of a school representative for assistance in obtaining immunizations, medical records, residency, guardianship, and other documents if needed.

·   Providing special attention to the ensuring of enrollment and attendance of special programs of homeless students and unaccompanied youth not currently attending school.

·   Informing parents, school personnel, and others regarding the rights of homeless children and youth through staff and parent development and by the dissemination of materials.

·   Working with school personnel to ensure that homeless children and youth are immediately enrolled in school pending resolution of disputes that might arise over school enrollment or placement.

·   Provide homeless children and youth with access to technology and proper materials to be successful in the adapted K12 curriculum.

·   Helping to coordinate access to academic services for homeless children and youth.

·   Collaborating with state coordinators for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth.

·   Implementing educational services for which the child or youth meets the eligibility criteria such as services provided under Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, or similar state or local programs, educational programs for children with disabilities, and educational programs for students with limited English proficiency.

·   Determine the best interest of the child or youth by assisting in the enrollment or placement of their school of origin, by considering the views of such unaccompanied youth and providing them with notice on the right to appeal.

·   Provide professional development and awareness to Ohio Virtual Academy personnel and service providers on the effects of short-term stays in shelter and other challenges associated with homelessness.