VLAC Family News

August 11: New student technology begins shipping

August 25: K-8 curriculum begins shipping for K-8 Lincoln students

August 19: Introduction to Lincoln Learning Virtual Session 6PM (link at www.vlac.org under current families)

August 20: Introduction to Imagine Learning Virtual Session 6PM (link at www.vlac.org under current families)

August 25: VLAC Teaching Staff returns to work

September 2: First Day of School & Required Live Lessons

All dates for the school year are updated on our website under "Current Families"

Dear VLAC Families,

As we prepare to begin the 2025-2026 school year, I want to extend a warm welcome back to all of our returning students and families, and a heartfelt welcome to those joining the Virtual Learning Academy Consortium (VLAC) for the first time. I hope this summer has brought you time for rest, reflection, and meaningful moments with family.

At VLAC, we are proud to offer a flexible, personalized learning environment that empowers students to take ownership of their education while receiving the support and guidance they need to thrive. Whether your student is continuing their virtual learning journey or just beginning, we are here to partner with you every step of the way.

As we count down the final weeks of summer, here are a few key reminders:

• The first day of school is Tuesday, September 2, 2025. Students will begin working in their courses on this date.

• Your assigned VLAC mentor teacher will be reaching out to you the week of August 25 to welcome you, share important details, and begin establishing a strong home-school connection.

• We are committed to providing clear communication, regular progress updates, and personalized support to ensure your student’s success in our virtual learning environment.

Our team is excited to collaborate with you for a successful school year. VLAC students are known for their independence, creativity, and resilience, and we are honored to support them as they develop skills that will serve them well beyond the classroom.

Thank you for choosing VLAC as your partner in learning. We look forward to an amazing year ahead!

Warm regards,
Amanda McKay, Ph.D.

Oakland Schools Supervisor of Student Programs

Lincoln and Imagine Virtual Family Learning Sessions: These sessions are designed to help students and families make the most of the curriculum provided by our online partners. Through these informative sessions, you'll gain valuable insights into the features and resources available, as well as tips and strategies for navigating the learning platforms effectively. Join us to enhance your understanding and ensure a smooth and successful educational experience. The session dates and links are listed on our website under “Current Families” 25-26 Lincoln and Imagine Family Learning Sessions

Prepare to start the school year strong: sharpen your reading and math skills with i-Ready! Just log in through Clever and click on the i-Ready app. Access is available for all 2024–25 students through August 12.

• Reading: Students who use i-Ready for 30–45 minutes per week can maintain or even improve their reading level—often gaining the equivalent of 1–2 months of growth over the summer.
• Math: In math, regular use can lead to gains of up to a full grade-level standard in key areas, depending on starting point and lesson completion.

If you are changing school districts this summer, please contact your enrolling school district to request your official school record (CA60), as they are the holders of this file.

VLAC can provide end-of-semester report cards, attendance, and discipline records. If your new school requests these documents, please email us at info@vlac.org for electronic copies.

For any other paperwork or forms needed over the summer, email is the best way to reach us. Our staff will be working throughout the summer, but due to building updates—including a new roof—our access to the physical office will be limited. We will respond to your emails promptly.

Welcome back to VLAC for the 2025–2026 school year! To our returning families, we’re so glad to continue working with you, and to our new families, welcome- we’re excited to have you join our community. My name is Kristi McAllister, and I’m the Special Populations Consultant here at VLAC. Whether you're familiar with our program or just beginning your journey with us, we’re looking forward to a year filled with learning, growth, and connection. If you have any questions regarding your 504 Plan or IEP accommodations, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me - kristi.mcallister@oakland.k12.mi.us or 248.410.2202 - I’m here to ensure you have the tools and support you need for a successful school year. I look forward to partnering with you to help make this year a positive and rewarding experience.

We hope you had a relaxing break and are ready to start this school year strong! As your counselors, Mrs. Christine Connell (Christine.Connell@oakland.k12.mi.us or 248-980-0831) and Mrs. Kim Wasilk (Kimberly.Wasilk@oakland.k12.mi.us or 248-980-0752), we want you to know that we are here for you to help you throughout the school year. We want to encourage you to reach out to us if you need anything, whether it is academic, social and/or emotional support, we are here to provide the assistance you need to succeed.

Starting a new school year always comes with a variety of emotions no matter if it’s your first year at VLAC or your twelfth. Transitioning back into the routine of schoolwork and adjusting to an online learning environment can feel overwhelming at times, and that’s completely normal.

If you ever feel stuck, need advice or just need someone to talk to, please reach out. We’re here for you and we look forward to supporting you throughout the year.

We are excited to see what you will accomplish this year!

Mrs. Connell and Mrs. Wasilk

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

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Y6B7wh5ioLAKRr_PZPOwBCERztyavwqBORb4wBEa9Bs/edit

For more information about next school year, please see our VLAC Information Power Point. You can also watch a video of the presentation on our Youtube Channel .

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

Mary Kotcher: VLAC Office Assistant 248-209-2071

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