VLAC Family News

October 15 - Week 3 Count Period - Student interactions due in Google Classrooms

October 22 - Week 4 Count Period - Student Interactions due in Google Classrooms

December 5 - Robot Garage Event!

Dear VLAC Families,

Happy fall! As the new season settles in, we hope that all of our students and families—especially those who are new to VLAC—are finding a routine that works well. We know it can take a few weeks to settle into a rhythm. Be kind to yourselves and your students as you adjust.

One thing we’ve learned from experts like Sarah Ward is that strengthening students’ executive functioning skills (things like planning, time management, organization, and task initiation) can make a big difference in how smoothly routines go. We want to share a simple, research-based tip you can try right now at home:

Virtual Learning & Executive Functioning Tip: Use an analog clock time-block visual

Sarah Ward emphasizes that children (and many adolescents) often struggle with perceiving the sweep of time — digital clocks show “now” but don’t help them see how much time is passing or how much is left.

Here’s a quick strategy to put that into action:

1. Get an analog (face) clock — one with hands, not just digital.

2. For a known routine (e.g. morning prep, or English course work time), draw or overlay blocks on the clock face to represent segments of the task. For example:

   • 8:00–8:10 = get dressed

   • 8:10–8:20 = breakfast

   • 8:20–8:30 = set up learning space

   • 8:30 = make to do list and start classes

3. As you move through the morning (or during work time), point to the clock and say things like “Okay, now it’s breakfast time — see where the hand is pointing? That’s our block for that.” This helps students see where they are in the process and what’s coming next. Over time, shift the responsibility to the student: ask them, “Look at the clock — do you see when your next block starts?” or “How much time do you have left in this block?”

This visual, time-blocked approach externalizes time and helps students build awareness of pacing and transitions. It turns vague instructions like “hurry up, get ready” into something tangible and visible.

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.

Thank you for your incredible support during the first two weeks of our Count Period! We are excited to share that during Week 1 we were able to count 99.8% of eligible students and during Week 2, we were able to count 100% of eligible students - that is truly amazing!

We’re now in Week 3 of our Count Period, and your student’s participation remains crucial to maintain this success and ensure everyone continues to be counted on behalf of your enrolling district.

✅ Reminder: All students must log in to Google Classroom and respond to their mentor teacher’s interaction question by Wednesday each week.

✅ Responses should be in complete sentences and provide detailed answers. Students should discuss a specific course and content being learned along with their progress of that course.

If your student hasn’t completed their Week 3 interaction yet, please encourage them to do so as soon as possible to ensure they are counted. (For families in Enrollment Window 9, your mentor teacher will begin interactions during Week 4.)

Let’s keep up the fantastic work and continue this momentum!

Thank you again for your partnership and support.

🌾 VLAC Field Trip Fun at Upland Hills Farm! 🌞

What a fantastic day we had at Upland Hills Farm this past week! Many students and families joined us for an unforgettable adventure filled with laughter, learning, and sunshine.

Highlights from the day included:
🐄 A lively farm show
🚜 A hayride with a scenic trail walk
🍎 Delicious cider and donuts
🦆 Feeding and enjoying the friendly farm animals

It was wonderful to see everyone connect, explore, and make great memories together!

Don’t miss out on our next exciting event!
Join us at The Robot Garage December 5th for another fun-filled day of discovery and connection. More details and a date coming soon!

All seniors are invited to attend one of two upcoming virtual meetings with the counseling team. We’ll review key graduation info, college and career resources, and answer your questions.

📅 Meeting 1: Tuesday, October 28th at 9am
📅 Meeting 2: Wednesday, October 29th at 12:30pm

Use the following link to join either meeting: https://oakland-k12-mi-us.zoom.us/j/7553686906?pwd=MHl3UUxxYkJoSnRPRUtESXN2OGNWdz09

Don’t miss this chance to get the information you need and have your questions answered!

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