VLAC Family News

November 27th and 28th-No School

December 5 - Robot Garage Event!

Thank you for your continued partnership and commitment to your student’s learning. During count month, each week, your student’s two-way interactions with their teacher play an important role in how local districts are funded. These interactions allow districts to count each student for state aid, which provides the foundation allowance that covers VLAC tuition on your behalf. Your consistency truly makes a difference as we had nearly 100% two way interaction completion.

Whether your family has been with VLAC for a while or just joined us this week, now is a great time to create (or recommit to) a consistent routine. Executive functioning expert Sarah Ward reminds us that students thrive when they have clear structures — using daily schedules, visual timers, and prioritized to-do lists helps students manage time, build independence, and reduce stress. Even small, predictable routines can make a big impact on learning success.

We appreciate your partnership in helping students stay organized, connected, and engaged each week. If you are going out for Halloween festivities have fun and be safe!

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!

Thank you to all of our VLAC students, families, teachers, and staff. We are thrilled to share that our team achieved nearly 100% completion rates each week during Count Period! This incredible accomplishment is a reflection of our students’ commitment, our families’ support, and our staff’s hard work and dedication.

Your efforts make a real impact - by ensuring accurate attendance and engagement data, we help guarantee that districts can continue sending amazing students like you to our program.

We are so thankful for everyone’s teamwork and perseverance. Together, we’ve made this one of our most successful Count Periods yet! 🌟

At VLAC, we believe learning is more than completing assignments; it is about developing curiosity, responsibility, and integrity. In a digital learning environment, honesty is the foundation of trust between students, teachers, and families.

Academic integrity means submitting your own work, giving credit when using others’ ideas, and using technology, including AI tools, responsibly. These choices show respect for learning and build lifelong skills in digital citizenship.

Violations of academic integrity, such as plagiarism, cheating, or unapproved use of artificial intelligence, are considered Category I offenses under the VLAC Student Code of Conduct. Possible consequences include teacher intervention, parent contact, assignment or course resets, and in repeated cases, further disciplinary action or referral to the student’s sending school.

Our goal is not to punish but to teach students how to use technology wisely and ethically. Each incident is a chance to learn and grow in integrity.

For more information, please review the VLAC Student/Parent Handbook 2025–2026 at
https://www.virtuallearningacademyconsortium.org/fs/resource-manager/view/44dbd14c-9476-420d-ac6a-dade611f0788

This week, Mrs. Connell and Mrs. Wasilk hosted two senior meetings for students and parents. If you were unable to attend or would like to review the information again, the presentation is attached below. We’ve also included the MCAN flyer highlighting the various college and university fee waivers available throughout October (previously shared in an earlier newsletter).

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.

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