iSVA Fall Highlights

As the calendar turns toward fall here in Texas (even if the weather takes its sweet time catching up), we are leaning into the energy of a new season filled with fresh learning, growth, and community connection.

This edition is packed with highlights from a fantastic start to the school year alongside a look at the exciting events coming up. There is so much momentum building across our school, and we love getting to experience it alongside our students and families!

Inside this issue, you will find some truly special moments including some original poetry written by both our students and staff, and a brand-new student spotlight.

Let's make this season one to remember, both on and off the screen!

~The iSVA Team

One of the coolest parts of our virtual school is how diverse, talented, and unique our student body is. You are athletes, artists, coders, workers, musicians, and independent learners balancing all types of schedules.

Take a few minutes to fill out our Student Community Survey by clicking the button below. Your answers will help us better understand who our students are, what you care about outside of class, and how we can make this school year amazing for our community!

From September 15 to October 15, we are proud to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month across our school community! This month is a dedicated time to recognize, honor, and uplift the rich histories, diverse cultures, and impactful contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. It’s a moment to reflect on the deep heritage that shapes our shared community and to foster cultural awareness, connection, and joy.

Here’s a look at how we’re celebrating across our school:

• Exploring Culture in Spanish 1: Our Spanish 1 classes are joining the celebration by diving into the rich traditions of the Spanish-speaking world to explore and discuss vibrant art, music, iconic places, and delicious food!

Link to Join

• Virtual Tour of the Spanish-Speaking World: The Spanish 2 Team took students on an exciting virtual journey across all Spanish-speaking countries to explore their unique traditions, geography, and cultures. You can follow along and explore the journey yourself by checking out our Virtual Tour Presentation!

• Movie Nights: We have been hosting special film screenings throughout the month to bring our community together around stories that highlight vibrant cultures and voices.

• Help Build Our Hispanic Heritage Month Playlist: Music is at the heart of Hispanic heritage—from salsa and merengue to cumbia, reggaeton, bachata, mariachi, and beyond, it keeps traditions and stories alive. We want our students to help us build our official school playlist! Whether it’s a family favorite, a song that reminds you of home, or a track everyone needs to hear, submit your school-appropriate recommendations.

👉Fill out the submission form here! 🎵

Let’s come together to learn, listen, and celebrate all month long!

October is Dyslexia Awareness Month, and we are sharing important state-required resources early so families have time to review.

You will find details on:

• Understanding Dyslexia: Evaluation processes, teaching strategies, and accommodations

• Support Steps: Navigating the special education process

• Team Contacts: Contact details for our dyslexia staff and links to the online Dyslexia Handbook

Please take a moment to review the attached information: we are always here to support your student's learning journey!

9-12th grade students have an exciting opportunity to take the TSIA2 (Texas Success Initiative Assessment) at NO COST through iSchool Virtual!

Why take the TSIA2 now?

• Save money by testing for free before college.
• Meet college placement requirements and avoid paying to test later.
• Qualify for dual credit courses and get a head start on earning college credit.
• Identify your college readiness in math, reading, and writing.
• Reduce stress by completing this important step while you have support from your teachers and counselors.

Don't wait until graduation! Taking the TSIA2 now can open doors to college opportunities, save you time and money, and help you prepare for your future.

Spots are limited—sign up today! For more information to register, please click HERE

Your future starts now. Take the TSIA2—for FREE!

Clubs are a great way to meet other students, explore your interests, learn something new, and have fun outside of regular coursework.

Ready to Join?

⭐Explore your options AND complete the Club Interest & Permission Form!
Check out the Club Descriptions to see what clubs are available and find one (or more!) that interests you. Once you’ve found a club you’d like to join, complete the Club Interest & Permission Form.

IMPORTANT: The form must be completed together by the student AND their guardian. Your guardian must give approval before you can participate.

📅 Keep an eye on the Club Calendar!
Club dates and meeting information will be added throughout the year. Check the Club Calendar regularly for upcoming meetings and events.

At iSVA, we're committed to supporting students in both their academic journey and personal well-being. Let's welcome back Mr. Garcia who serves as iSVA's student mentor.

You matter here

–and–

Mr. Garcia's goal is to help students feel seen, heard, and supported as they work toward their goals. Whether you’re facing academic stress, personal challenges, or just need someone to talk to, Mr. Garcia is here for you.

In honor of National Poets Day last month, we invited our students and teachers to share their original poetry with our school community. We were so inspired by the incredible creative talent across our campus and couldn't wait to share a highlight of these submissions with you!

From deeply personal reflections to imaginative verses, these featured pieces show off the power of words to connect us all. Click the image below to read the selected poetry and celebrate our talented student and staff writers! 👇

Our teachers dressed in red, white, and blue to honor the heroes, lives lost, and enduring spirit of 9/11. It was a meaningful moment for our school community to pause together in reflection, unity, and gratitude.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Senior Informational Night! We had incredible turnout, reaching our full Google Meet capacity of 250 attendees. It was inspiring to see so much engagement from the Class of 2027 and their families as we kick off this milestone year.

If you were unable to join due to the full capacity or missed the live session, don't worry, we've got you covered. You can access the full recording of the presentation to catch up on everything you need regarding graduation requirements, college applications, FAFSA, and key deadlines.

👉 Watch the Senior Info Night Recording Here

When Julian Cuellar joined iSVA in the seventh grade, he was looking for a virtual learning environment that would better fit his needs after his previous school discontinued its online program. After researching several virtual schools with his family, Julian found his place at iSVA: “It’s been the perfect fit for me.”

At iSVA, Julian has found the flexibility to make the most of opportunities both inside and outside the classroom, including dual credit courses, Electrathon and CyberPatriot.

Through the Harlandale Electrathon program, Julian has developed a passion for engineering, teamwork, and problem solving. He is currently working with his teammates to build a second race car from an old frame and motor that had been sitting in their garage.

“We realized there was nothing holding us back from making another vehicle,” Julian said. “It came from ‘junk,’ things that were just going to be thrown out. We are going to build a car and race it.”

Julian is also a member of a CyberPatriot team, where students work together to protect computer systems and develop cybersecurity skills. Both programs have taught him the importance of communication, teamwork, and staying calm when things don’t go according to plan.

His experiences have even broadened his ideas about the future. While Julian once pictured himself pursuing a career in medicine, his involvement in these programs has sparked an interest in mechanical or electrical engineering.

For Julian, this is what makes iSVA, “my iSVA.” The flexibility of virtual learning allows him to pursue his education while making time for the experiences that inspire him.

“I would probably have to sit out on some of these opportunities if I were in a traditional school,” Julian explained. “iSVA allows me the freedom to participate.”

Julian’s father, a retired school administrator, says one of the greatest benefits of iSVA is that students can still feel seen, known, and connected. In his experience, simply being in a traditional school building does not always mean a student is engaged in learning or feels like they belong. For Julian, iSVA has provided both the flexibility to learn his way and a community where his interests and accomplishments are recognized.

Now a junior, Julian is focused on earning college credits, continuing to explore his interests, and of course, getting that second Electrathon car onto the track.

Looking back on his iSVA experience so far, Julian says dual credit has been one of the highlights.

“Dual credit is a great opportunity and it will define the time I have at iSVA.”

His advice to students considering virtual school?

“It’s a great opportunity and if that's where you believe your educational needs will be met, take the chance. See if it works out for you.”

For Julian, it certainly has.

We’re so proud of Julian and all he has accomplished, and we’re excited to see where his journey takes him next!

We want to spotlight your journey and celebrate everything that makes your virtual school experience unique. Want to help bring iSVA to life? Share your story with us!

We'd love to hear from you! Send an email to gmeyer@bluexvirtual.com to share your story, and don’t forget to connect with us on social media!

We enjoy the ability to connect with our students and families, share upcoming events as well as showcase our amazing students, staff and school across multiple social media platforms!

See you there!

Have you checked out our YouTube channel?

Whether it’s quick tips, how-tos, or just fun behind-the-scenes stuff, you’ll find it here.

👉 Hit that subscribe button and stay in the loop!

Click here for the iSVA YouTube Channel!

This Quick Links Document below contains links for our school calendar, course catalog, Chromebook request form and more!

In accordance with Texas Senate Bill 10, public schools are required to provide access to the text of the Ten Commandments. As a virtual school, we fulfill this state mandate via the digital resource link below.

Have you moved recently? Do you have a new email address or phone number? At iSVA, it is imperative that you keep your information up to date with our administrative office. This information is used to determine assigned testing site locations for STAAR and mailing important items to parents and students. If you have moved or have updated contact information, it is important that you update this immediately. Please reach out to us at this email address isvaoperations@ischoolvirtual.com and will will assist you.

**Please note that we will need 2 new proofs of residence for any address change.**