7 November '25

As we move forward this quarter, I want to remind each of you that progress comes from consistency — not perfection. Every assignment you complete, every login, every effort you make brings you one step closer to your goals. Stay focused, stay organized, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. You have the power to finish strong and make this a successful chapter in your journey. Let’s keep pushing forward together — you’ve got this!

Warm regards,
Kevin Aikins
Principal, Queen Creek Virtual Academy

Please join the QCVA community in pausing to honor and appreciate the brave people who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces this Veterans Day, Tuesday, November 11th! This important federal holiday is a time to reflect on the commitment and sacrifice of all our veterans. We extend our deepest gratitude to our veterans and military families for their invaluable service to our country.

This year, we encourage every QCVA student to take a moment to observe this important day!

• Create a Thank You: Write a heartfelt letter or card expressing your gratitude to a veteran you know, a family member who served, or send one through an organization

• Learn Their Stories: Take time to read a book or watch a video about the history of Veterans Day and the experiences of service members. Understanding their commitment is a wonderful way to show respect!

Hey Seniors! Don't miss your chance to secure your official senior class gear and QCVA swag! The final deadline to order custom items like your class ring, graduation announcements, senior hoodie, and T-shirts from Jostens is December 1, 2025. There's a variety of packages and individual items available to fit every family's budget while letting you showcase your ultimate school spirit and pride! Visit the Jostens website today to place your order. https://view.vidreach.io/q/shcW9rHG

Final exams for Grades 7–12 will be held December 11–12 and 15–17 at Newell Barney College Prep. Exams will take place in person from 8:30–11:30 AM and 12:00–3:00 PM on each of those dates. Participation is mandatory — students who do not complete their final exams in person will receive a score of 0 for the test. Please plan accordingly and stay tuned for more information coming soon!

Great news! We've added new resources to the QCVA Videos and Documents Library under the topic Emotional Support. Click here.

The following websites also offer valuable information to support your family's well-being:

• Cranes for Change: Cranes for Change is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting mental health and leadership within underserved communities. By providing school-based therapy, family support services, and leadership development programs, we work to remove barriers to care and empower individuals to thrive. Our mission is to build stronger, more resilient communities by fostering compassion and positive change for all. Click here https://cranesforchange.org/

• U.S. Department of Education: This resource for Remote Learning from the U.S. Department of Education offers valuable guidance for parents on fostering their children's social-emotional and behavioral skills while learning remotely, including strategies for trauma-informed distance learning and teen mental health. Click here.

• Arizona Family Resources: This site provides a comprehensive collection of community and online supports, offering resources for mental health, support groups, and stress management for both children and caregivers. Click here.

We encourage families to visit these sites and read on to find tools and information that can support your family's success.

Our School Counselor is an excellent resource for strategies and support to help your student succeed! Ms. Rowan-Millan is available for confidential, 15-minute virtual check-ins to help students with everything from learning strategies and staying on pace with schoolwork to navigating personal struggles. Please remember that for specific academic questions like quiz retakes, tutoring, or assignment details, the first point of contact should always be the student's teacher/facilitator. Our counselor's goal is to focus on the support and strategies needed for overall well-being and academic habits, not individual grades or assignments. While slots are set for 15 minutes, please feel free to request more time if you feel your student needs a longer session—we encourage you to take advantage of this valuable resource. Reach out to the school office today to schedule a check-in for your student! Please click here to schedule an appointment Counselor Schedule

Thank you!

Andrea Rowan-Millan

School Counselor, M.Ed.

Queen Creek Virtual Academy

arowan@qcusd.org

Hey QCVA Vipers! Our Virtual Gallery is sparkling with new student submissions every week, but we want more! This is your spot to show off anything cool, creative, or meaningful about your life. Did you nail a painting, learn a new trick, or rock a spooky Halloween fit? Maybe you want to introduce your adorable pet companions, show off a fun place you work, or share an amazing spot to visit! Don't let your awesomeness sit on the sidelines—grab a quick picture or video, write a fun description, and send it in!

Ready to Submit? Families, please use this link to share your entries: https://forms.gle/SBVE75PWqGbGLXj4A. Let's make this gallery burst with everything that makes our QCVA community unique!

Get ready to gobble 'til you wobble and cast your vote in our fun Thanksgiving Dish Poll! We want to know what truly steals the show on your holiday table. Is it the classic turkey, the comforting mashed potatoes, or maybe the decadent pumpkin pie? Head over to our poll now and select your all-time favorite dish from the delicious options, including ham, mac and cheese, and stuffing. Let your voice be heard and help us crown the ultimate Thanksgiving champion! VOTE HERE: https://qcvacommunity.my.canva.site/

Thanks to everyone who participated in last week's fun "Favorite Halloween Candy" poll! The votes are officially tallied, and we have our winners. Taking home the gold medal this year, and proving it's the perfect treat, is Reese's Peanut Butter Cups! Close behind in a strong second place is the nougat and caramel classic, Snickers candy bar, followed by the colorful and always popular M&Ms in third. Unfortunately, treats like Laffy Taffy, Candy Corn, and Sour Gummy Worms just couldn't crack the top three spots. It looks like chocolate reigns supreme in our virtual school!

Queen Creek Virtual Academy, now in its 5th year of operation, provides a flexible and dynamic learning environment for students in grades K-12. With highly qualified staff and a curriculum that mirrors the rigorous QCUSD course catalog, we empower students to achieve a high graduation rate. Our unique program caters to the diverse needs of every family, allowing students to pursue careers or club sports while excelling academically.

Standing: Starting from Left to Right. Ms. Arzola-Bass (black blouse), Ms. Rowan-Millan, Mr. Aikins, Ms. Mariani. Sitting: Ms. Jendrysek (sienna blouse), Ms. Langan, Ms. Rogers.

Are you new to QCVA? Welcome, we are glad to have you! Please click here to view the Quick Start Guide document. Please check your email for your individualized login credentials. Make sure that your contact information in ParentVue is updated at all times. Please click here to watch a short video about what to expect from QCVA, the staff, policies & procedures. Cheers to an amazing school year!

Wake up to “what’s cooking” in Queen Creek at Town Council's free Pancake Breakfast event at Horseshoe Park and Equestrian Centre! Join us on Saturday, Nov. 8 from 9 to 11 a.m. at 20464 E. Riggs Road and enjoy IHOP pancakes, Starbucks coffee, informational booths, a petting zoo, free flu shots, our touch-a-truck display, and performances by the Queen Creek Performing Arts Center. Learn more.

Take a night off from cooking and support your Queen Creek High School Girls Basketball team! Join us at BJ's Restaurant on Monday, November 20th, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Just grab a bite to eat, and a percentage of your total bill will go directly to the team! Your participation is genuinely appreciated by all the girls and their coach—every meal helps us score big this season! We can't wait to see you there for some delicious food and community spirit! https://www.bjsrestaurants.com/locations/az/queen-creek

Please click on the picture or follow this link to show interest. We look forward to having you be a part of the team!