ARVA Future Focus
Arkansas Virtual Academy's TRANSITION Newsletter
TRANSITION NEWS
Moving Forward, Together!
At Arkansas Virtual Academy, we believe every student has a unique path and a bright future. ARVA Future Focus is your quarterly guide to resources, tips, and opportunities that support students and families while making plans for the future. Our hope is to empower ARVA students and parents with knowledge and tools to make informed decisions and achieve a smooth, successful transition to adulthood.
Transition Tip of the Quarter
Students who actively participate in their own IEP meetings are more likely to achieve their post-secondary education, career, and living goals.
RESOURCES AND LINKS
- ARVA Course Catalog - https://out.smore.com/render/5re1wx/J8bC9V?__$u__
- 2026-2027 ARVA Handbook - https://arva.k12.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/06/sy27-pshb_final.pdf
- ARVA's Counseling Department - Counselor Bytes | Smore Newsletters
- Family Engagement - Family Engagement Newsletter
- Community Service Information - ARVA CSL | Smore Newsletters
- ARVA's FLEX Program - FLEX | Smore Newsletters
- Read & Write - Read & Write is a literacy support tool that offers learners help with everyday tasks like reading text out loud, understanding unfamiliar words, researching assignments and proofing written work. Read & Write | Smore Newsletters
- Arkansas Graduation Requirements - AR_Graduation_Requirements_4.4.24_LS.pdf
- Arkansas NEXT Magazine - A resource for Arkansas high school students planning for college magazine. https://digital.abpg.com/arkansas-next-2025-2026/page/1
- Arkansas NEXT Pro Magazine - A hands-on careers, technical trades, and apprenticeship magazine. https://digital.abpg.com/arkansas-next-pros-2025-2026/page/6-7
- Arkansas NEXT Money Magazine - A resource to help young Arkansans build financial independence by teaching core concepts like budgeting, banking, and understanding taxes, while also offering guidance on paying for college. https://digital.abpg.com/arkansas-next-money-2026-2027/page/1
- Arkansas Transition Services - Statewide organization that supports students and adults with disabilities as they navigate life. https://arkansastransition.com/
- Arkansas Rehabilitation Services - State vocational rehabilitation agency that helps individuals with disabilities (including adults 18 and older) prepare for, obtain, and maintain competitive employment and independence. https://dws.arkansas.gov/ar-rehabilitation-services/
- Arkansas Division of Higher Education: https://www.adhe.edu/
- Arkansas Work Force Centers: https://www.dws.arkansas.gov/contact/
- Job Corp - Job Corps | Little Rock
- Project SEARCH Arkansas: ACCESS Initiative - Job-training program to assist individuals with preparation required to gain and keep employment. https://projectsearcharkansas.org/
- 2026 Arkansas Driver License Study Manual - Arkansas-DL-Manual-English.pdf, Spanish_version_Arkansas_January2-18_final_version.pdf
- Arkansas Driver License AUDIO Study Guide - https://driving-tests.org/arkansas/arkansas-driver-audio-handbook/
- Arkansas Driver License Practice Test - Official Arkansas Driver License Practice Test - Arkansas Department of Public Safety
MEET YOUR SPECIAL PROGRAMS TEAM
Our Special Programs Team is here to help students reach their full potential while partnering with families to promote academic success, independence, and a successful transition beyond high school. We look forward to working with you throughout the year!
Amanda Sullivan - Special Programs Manager
Sarah Moss - Special Education Coordinator
Summer Hensley - 504 Coordinator
Michelle Whitley - ELL Coordinator
Devan Marcus - Dyslexia Coordinator
Wendy Lewis - K-12 Special Education Records Manager & Structured Learning
Jennifer Bryant - Transition Services
Karen Benjamin - 8th Grade Compliance
Michelle Gregory - 9th Grade Compliance
Jennifer Reed - 10th Grade Compliance
Malynda Fronterhouse - 11th Grade Compliance
Meagan Parrish- 12th Grade Compliance
ADULTING 101
Skills for Life Success
Success after high school takes more than earning a diploma. Whether your student plans to attend college, enter the workforce, join the military, or pursue career training, developing essential life skills is just as important as academic achievement.
Below is a list of essential life skills that help prepare students for success beyond high school. In each edition of Future Focus, we'll spotlight one key skill that supports independence, confidence, and lifelong success. In this issue, we're focusing on Self-Advocacy with a short video you and your student can watch together, practical tips, and a helpful resource to help reinforce this important life skill at home.
- Self-Advocacy: Knowing how to ask for help, communicate needs, and stand up for oneself in school, work, and life situations.
- Financial Literacy: Understanding budgeting, saving, banking, credit, and basic taxes to manage money responsibly.
- Communication Skills: Clearly expressing ideas in speaking and writing, while also listening effectively in personal, academic, and workplace settings.
- Time Management: Ability to plan, prioritize, and balance responsibilities (school, work, personal life) to meet deadlines and reduce stress.
- Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking: Analyzing situations, making decisions, and finding solutions independently.
- Work Ethic & Responsibility: Showing reliability, accountability, and a strong attitude toward completing tasks and commitments.
- Career Readiness Skills: Creating resumes, applying for jobs, interviewing, and understanding workplace expectations.
- Independent Living Skills: Basic daily skills like cooking, cleaning, laundry, and maintaining a living space.
- Emotional Regulation & Resilience: Managing stress, handling setbacks, and maintaining a positive mindset through challenges.
- Digital Literacy: Using technology responsibly and effectively for communication, learning, and work (email, online safety, basic software).
🎓 POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION
Start early! Encourage your student to explore colleges, technical schools, apprenticeships, military opportunities, and career training programs. Researching options before senior year reduces stress and helps students make informed decisions.
📅 This To-Do First Semester (Depending on grade level).
- Explore one college, trade school, or training program.
- Discuss admission requirements and program costs.
- Create or update a list of schools or programs of interest.
- Schedule a campus visit or attend a virtual tour.
- Research ACT Information (11th graders will have the option to take the ACT for free in March 2027). ACT | College and Career Readiness Solutions
🔗 Helpful Resources
- Arkansas Division of Higher Education – College planning, scholarships, and financial aid.
- Arkansas Future Grant – Financial assistance for students entering high-demand fields.
- Arkansas Next - A statewide program designed to help the next generation map out their career paths, find financial aid, and locate scholarships after high school.
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) – Financial aid information and FAFSA application.
- College Scorecard – Compare colleges by cost, graduation rates, and earnings.
- My Next Move – Explore careers and the education or training needed for each.
🎥 Parent & Student Video: Inspiring tips on how to manage college from a student with a learning disability.
💼 CAREER CORNER
Explore. Prepare. Succeed.
Help your student discover careers that match their interests, strengths, and goals. Career exploration is an important part of transition planning and can help students make informed decisions about education, training, and future employment.
🌟 This Quarter's Career Tip
Encourage your student to explore at least one career that interests them. Discuss the education or training required, salary expectations, daily responsibilities, and whether the career aligns with their interests and strengths.
🔗 Career Exploration Resources
- O*NET OnLine - Explore careers, required skills, education, job outlook, and salaries.
- My Next Move - Discover careers through interest assessments and career profiles.
- Arkansas Career Education - Learn about Arkansas career pathways, career and technical education (CTE), and workforce opportunities.
- CareerOneStop - Career exploration, resume tools, job search resources, and training information.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook - Learn about job growth, earnings, and education requirements for hundreds of careers.
💬 Family Conversation Starter
Ask your student: "If money weren't a factor, what type of work would you enjoy doing every day? Why?"
LEARNING COACH/PARENT CONNECTION
Preparing for Your Child's IEP Annual Review & Transition Meeting
Your participation is one of the most valuable parts of the IEP process. Before the meeting, talk with your child about their strengths, interests, goals, and any concerns they have about school or life after high school. Review your child's current IEP, make note of questions or updates you'd like to discuss, and consider your family's vision for their future.
Remember, transition planning is a team effort. Your voice, your child's voice, and the school's collaboration help create a meaningful plan that prepares your student for success after graduation.
Parent Tip: Encourage your child to attend and actively participate in their IEP meeting. Learning to share their strengths, preferences, interests, and goals is an important step toward self-advocacy and independence.
Helpful Resources:
- Parent Center Hub: Understanding the IEP Process https://www.parentcenterhub.org/pa12/
- Special Education Acronym List: https://arksped.ade.arkansas.gov/rules_regs_08/2.%20APPENDIX/D.%20LIST%20OF%20ACRONYMS/ACRONYMS.pdf
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Arkansas Waiver Services: Planning for life after high school may include exploring supports that can help a student live, work, and participate as independently as possible in the community. For Arkansas students with intellectual or developmental disabilities, the Community and Employment Support (CES) Waiver, often called the DD Waiver, may provide services such as supported employment, supported living, respite care, adaptive equipment, specialized therapies, and other home and community-based supports. Families are encouraged to explore waiver services early. Arkansas allows individuals of all ages with intellectual or developmental disabilities to apply for the CES Waiver, and there may be a waiting list for services. Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS) Intake and Referral Unit. 501-683-5687 DDS_CES_Waiver_Provider_List.pdf