Unlocking Brilliance

ARVA Diamonds,

As we step into September and settle into the rhythm of the school year, we are already a few weeks into establishing the daily habits that help our students thrive! This initial stretch of the semester is all about building strong foundations: logging in daily at set times, attending live classes consistently, and completing assignments on schedule. To support your family every step of the way, our teachers and co-teachers are working to track attendance, check in with students, and ensure no Diamond falls behind.

This month, we are also grounding our school community in the Capturing Kids’ Hearts focus: Connect with Heart & Empathy. Empathy is seeing with the eyes of another, listening with the ears of another, and feeling with the heart of another. Whether it’s using respectful language in class connect sessions or encouraging a classmate who is struggling, connecting with heart builds a supportive virtual environment where every Diamond can SHINE.

Be sure to take time each week to map out your assignments and track your daily goals. Together, we can make the start of this school year a powerful launchpad for success!

ARVA All In.

Mendy Felton

Check out this message from Mendy on how ARVA students can celebrate this summer! Shine Diamonds Shine!

Be Brilliant Tip: Help your student build momentum during these crucial first weeks of the semester! Set a consistent daily log-in time, review their weekly schedule together, and encourage them to attend every live class on time. Developing these predictable routines early creates a smooth, stress-free path to academic success.

Want more tips to help your student stay on track this month? Sign up for the weekly Brilliance Boost texts.

Sign up for the Brilliance Boost texts!! – Fill out form

Each month, we celebrate ARVA Diamonds who exemplify what it means to SHINE in our school community! As we kick off the new school year, we are thrilled to recognize an incredible group of middle school students who are setting the standard for success.

These nominees were highlighted by their teachers and peers for building strong daily learning habits, actively participating in live Class Connect sessions, showing kindness and empathy to classmates, and helping build an encouraging virtual classroom from day one. We are so proud of these ARVA Diamonds for starting the year strong!

Congratulations to our September Shine in Action Students:

6th Grade Student Spotlights

• Issac T.
• Johanna P.
• Landon M.
• Roan L.
• Stella B.

7th Grade Student Spotlights

• Amelia T.
• Jillian N.
• Jordyn V.
• Julia N.
• Kayden P.
• Trinity V.
• Tucker I.

8th Grade Student Spotlights

• Ainslea J.
• Alatria S.
• Bird H.
• Braxton R.
• Braxton W.
• Connor L.
• Danny H.
• Jaycelynn M.
• Jocelynn E.
• Kinsley B.
• Ryan B.
• Tristan L.
• Valley B.
• Warren D.

If you know a student who is showing leadership, demonstrating empathy, or building great learning habits as we start the school year, we invite you to submit a Shine in Action nomination using the form below.

Submit a Shine in Action Shoutout here: Shine in Action submission form

Building strong learning routines and connecting with your school community go hand-in-hand! Try these practical strategies at home to keep your student organized and engaged this month:

✔️ Map Out the Week Together: Sit down together every Sunday to map out assignments, live class times, and study blocks. Visualizing the week ahead keeps tasks manageable and prevents last-minute stress.

✔️ Model Perspective-Taking and Empathy: Use everyday moments to discuss feelings and practice empathy. Ask open-ended questions like, “How do you think they felt in that situation?” or “What would help them feel supported?” Encourage students to bring that same positivity and respect into live class chats.

✔️ Connect with Your Regional ARVA Village: You don't have to navigate online learning alone! Log into your Learning Coach account to join the closed online LC Community, follow your region’s specific Facebook group, or get involved with the parent-led ARVA Booster Program to attend local outings and meet-ups.

Your feedback is vital to ensuring our communication remains relevant and responsive so that you and your student have a great experience at ARVA!
Take our quick, one-question monthly learning coach poll (below).

Don’t miss our Barnes & Noble Book Fairs each Friday in September at select locations from 1-3 p.m.! Pick up a student planner, grab some free school supplies, and enjoy fun activities for students of all ages! (Items purchased at the book fairs also support our Booster funds.)