IVSA Newsletter

As we begin another school year at IVSA, I keep coming back to one simple idea: the way we approach something can change everything. That is why our theme for the 2026–27 school year is Mindset Matters.

For our students, it’s a reminder that you don’t have to have everything figured out. Learning can be challenging, and there will be moments when things don’t go as planned. What matters is being willing to ask for help, try again, learn from mistakes, and keep moving forward.

For our families and school partners, Mindset Matters reflects the way we want to approach our work together. We want to look for possibilities, find solutions, create opportunities, and always believe in what our students are capable of achieving.

And for our IVSA team, the Mindset Matters hats we are wearing this year are a visible reminder of the commitment we are making to our students and to one another:

Stay curious. Keep growing. Choose possibility.

I hope that throughout this school year, Mindset Matters becomes more than an IVSA theme. I hope it becomes something each of us carries with us when we encounter a challenge, try something new, or have an opportunity to encourage someone else. Here’s to a great year of learning, growing, and believing in what’s possible.

Mindset Matters.

Melissa Lundgaard

IVSA Executive Director

RON CHERNOBROV went back to school (again) to earn his Master Degree in School Leadership and is now the IVSA Principal! He has been teaching with the Illinois Virtual programs since 2012 and also works as an adjunct professor at a local community college near Chicago. He holds an undergraduate degree in history from Knox College, a master’s in School Leadership, another one in Instructional Technology from Western Illinois University, and a master’s in History from Chicago State University. In his spare time, Ron enjoys tinkering with computers, reading, playing video games, and hanging out with his dog, Casey, who also serves as his teaching assistant.

Byron High School - Byron

Century Jr/Sr HS - Ullin

Chauncey H. Duker School - McHenry

Dundee Middle School - Algonquin

Havana High School - Havana

Hickory Creek Middle School - Frankfort

Liberty High School - Liberty

Morton High School - Morton

Percy Julian Middle School - Oak Park

Pine Crest Elementary - Georgetown

South Central High School - Kinmundy

Thompson Middle School - St. Charles

Did you know that IVSA added 12 NEW PARTNER SCHOOLS just this month! We are GLAD you chose to join the IVSA FAMILY!

Do you like to solve math problems? Join other students across the country in a Monthly Math Riddle Challenge! Sign up link is also on the flyer! Prizes are awarded.

IVSA partnered with Renew Communities to work on two new homes being built in the North Chicago neighborhoods. We have students from this neighborhood and thought it would be great to be able to help build homes with Renew.

IVSA offers over 400 courses in our Fall Program. Do you need Consumer Economics, Health, PE, World Languages or an Elective? What about taking Photography, Geometry, Digital Media, Forensics, or get credit for working this fall with our Workplace Experience course.

IVSA COURSE CATALOG

• Full-Time Academy - We offer a highly supportive full-time virtual learning option for students.
• Next Chapter - Our Brand New Credit Recovery Program
• Single Course Offerings - Choose original credit or credit recovery courses in Core Subjects, Electives, World Languages, Business and CTE courses and more.
• Teacher Shortage Solutions - Are you experiencing a teacher shortage that may eliminate programs and courses. IVSA offers synchronous and asynchronous instruction options for full classes.

If you anticipate a need for IVSA to support your school in SY2627 with TSS, please fill out this TSS intake form to let us IVSA know what needs you are anticipating. Filling this out does not bind you to using IVSA, but we can begin to explore this partnership.

Synchronous or Asynchronous options are available!

We have begun to partner with several schools that have a virtual block that allows students to take Credit Recovery, Core, Honors, AP, CTE, Electives, PE, or Health as needed. You provide the space, a virtual learning facilitator, and we provide the teacher, rigorous content. If you are a public school, all enrollments are eligible for reimbursement through the Illinois Virtual Course Catalog.

The IVSA Leadership Team have put a lot of miles on the road in Illinois over the last few weeks, visiting our Teacher Shortage Partner Schools to help the students get connected to their teachers. This Hybrid model is a great alternative for areas that your school may need a teacher or to extend learning for our honor students.

Registration for our September 2026 COHORT is OPEN! Do you have a student who would thrive with a flexible learning solution? Enroll your student today.

We have a new way that you can follow your student's IVSA course(s) by creating an observer account in our learning management system, Canvas. Please use the HELP GUIDE to walk you through this.

September 7: Labor Day, No School

September 15: Cohort 2 Begins

October 13: Cohort 3 Begins

The mission of IVSA is to partner with local Illinois schools to provide engaging and supportive online educational experiences to meet the needs of all learners.

Any Questions? Reach out to info@ivsaschool.org

Website: https://ivsaschool.org/

IVSA Phone Number: 866-890-IVSA (4872)