VLAC Family News

November 27th and 28th-No School

December 5 - Robot Garage Event!

December 22 - January 2 - Winter Break

This week, we’re focusing on time management. In a virtual environment like VLAC, where students work from home and manage flexible schedules, building strong time management skills is key to success. Executive functioning expert Sarah Ward reminds us that students learn best when they can see time, sense how long things take, and plan their steps with the end in mind.

Below are practical tips for supporting students in each grade band, along with ways to use timers to help make time visible and manageable.

Grades K–2

• Create a consistent daily start time for logging in and attending lessons.
• Use an analog clock and color in a section from the start to end time so your child can see how much time is passing.
• Set a simple timer or use an hourglass for short activities like reading or completing one online task.
• Make a short checklist with three or four daily items such as “log in, attend lesson, complete one activity, check with parent.”
• Celebrate when the timer rings and review what was accomplished to build a positive connection to time awareness.

Grades 3–5

• Establish a predictable daily schedule for online learning.
• Use an analog or digital timer to block 20–30 minute work sessions followed by short breaks.
• Create a prioritized to-do list for each day. Have your child check off items as they finish.
• Try the “Get Ready, Do, Done” method. Help your child visualize what finished work looks like, gather materials, and then begin.
• Use a voice-activated or app-based timer to cue breaks and transitions between tasks.

Grades 6–8

• Have students plan backward from due dates. For example, if an assignment is due Friday, decide what must be done by Wednesday and Thursday.
• Encourage students to use a planner or online calendar to schedule work blocks for each class.
• Use a digital or analog timer for 40–45 minute focused work periods with 10-minute breaks.
• Review at the end of each session: Did I finish when I expected? What took longer? How can I adjust tomorrow?
• Regular mentor check-ins help reinforce pacing and accountability.

Grades 9–12

• Help students structure independent work time into study blocks. For example, 50 minutes of focused work followed by a 10-minute break.
• Use a planner or digital calendar to map out deadlines for all courses and set reminders with timers.
• For big projects, break tasks into smaller steps. Plan how long each step will take, then use a timer for each part.
• Encourage students to reflect daily on how their time matched their plan and make adjustments as needed.
• Voice-activated or app-based timers can help keep students on schedule without added distractions.

Why Timers Work

Timers make time visible and concrete. They help students see how long tasks actually take and build awareness of how time passes. Analog clocks let students visualize a “slice” of time. Digital timers and hourglasses give a clear countdown, while voice-activated timers make it easy to set reminders without interrupting work.

Establishing a consistent routine and using timers can help students feel more confident, focused, and independent in their virtual learning. Thank you for continuing to support your student’s growth and success at VLAC.

Did you know that Xello helps students explore their interests, plan for the future, and set goals that align with their strengths? All students in grades 6–12 should complete the activities listed in their Xello to-do list as part of our college and career readiness goals. 🎯

✅ What to do:

• K-2 Xello Flyer

• 3–5 Xello Flyer

• 6–12 Xello Flyer

Our K–2 and 3–5 students have been working hard toward their Xello goals! It’s so important for every student to complete their Xello lessons - even at the elementary level - because these activities build the foundational skills and self-awareness that support their future success in middle school, high school, and beyond.

We’re aiming for 90% completion across our middle and high school students - and we’re getting closer every day! Your participation makes a big difference in helping us reach our goal.

Thank you for supporting our students as they prepare for their futures!

Beginning Thursday November 13, students will no longer be able to share files in Google Drive or send emails between student.vlac accounts. This change is being made to enhance online safety and ensure a secure digital learning environment for all students. Please make any necessary adjustments prior to this date. We appreciate your understanding and partnership as we continue to prioritize student safety in the digital world.

We are thrilled to share that Laura Murray is joining our VLAC teaching team! Laura brings over 30 years of experience as both a classroom and virtual educator and has been a trusted mentor teacher in Clarkston Community Schools since 2020.

Laura’s career has been defined by her passion for helping students connect learning to life beyond the classroom. She has taught U.S. History, Civics, Economics, and Psychology. As a virtual mentor, she’s supported dozens of students through individualized plans, clear communication, and creative use of digital tools like Google Classroom.

Laura holds a BA in Social Studies and Political Science from Michigan State University and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Wayne State University. Laura will begin teaching new VLAC students mid-November.

Now that everyone has settled into the school year, we want to remind you that you’re not alone and support is always available. If your student is facing any challenges, whether academic, social, or emotional, or if something in your family situation has changed and you could use some extra support, please reach out. For students with a 504 Plan or IEP, we’re here to help make sure their accommodations and supports are working well in our virtual setting.

You can reach out to Kristi McAllister, Special Populations Consultant, or your student’s mentor teacher for assistance. We’re all on the same team, and together, we can help your student have a successful year.

We’re halfway through the semester — a perfect time to check in on your courses! Take a few minutes to review your grades, make sure you are on track and up-to-date with all assignments. Make sure you are not falling too behind that it will be hard to catch up in time for the end of the semester (January 16, 2026). Setting a weekly routine can really help you stay organized and avoid last-minute stress. If you’re feeling stuck or have questions, reach out to your VLAC Mentor Teacher and/or Mrs. Connell or Mrs. Wasilk — we’re here to help! A little extra effort now will make the end of the semester so much easier!

If you need an order of ink or paper, please submit your order on this link and it will be shipped to you. Be sure to provide the model number of your printer. Thank you.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Fj5eycWwzFSPTLUQJFpatWOUBhu7XQvDv8TAYmM5a2o/edit

Amanda McKay, Ph.D. Supervisor of Student Programs VLAC 248-804-4366

Andrea Becker VLAC Teacher Coordinator 248-941-2224

Kimberly Mason: VLAC Project Assistant 248-209-2025

Kristi McAllister: VLAC Special Populations Consultant 248-410-2202

Christine Connell: VLAC Counselor 248-980-0831

Kim Wasilk: VLAC Counselor 248-980-0752

Technology Support: 248-209-2060

Email: info@vlac.org
Website: https://virtuallearningacademyconsortium.org
Location: 2111 Pontiac Lake Road, Waterford Township, MI, USA
Phone: 248-209-2071
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VLAConsortium/
Twitter: @VLAConsortium