MOVA MS Minute
October 2026
Message from the Principal
A Message from the Principal
Dear MOVA Middle School Families,
Thank you for a wonderful and successful first quarter! It has been an incredible start to the school year, and our teachers continue to share how impressed they are with our students' effort, growth, and positive attitudes. We are grateful for your partnership in supporting student success.
Quarter 1 Wrap-Up & Important Dates
- Quarter 1 ends on October 15.
- There is no school for students on October 16 as we begin an extended fall weekend.
- We encourage students to finish the quarter strong by attending classes, completing assignments, and participating in all assessments.
IXL: Supporting Personalized Learning
At MOVA Middle School, we pride ourselves on meeting students where they are and helping them grow from there. IXL is an important tools we use to support personalized learning.
Student expectations include:
- Logging into IXL during homeroom twice each week.
- Completing 30 questions on assigned Math or ELA skills.
- Participating in weekly Level Ups every Friday.
- One week focuses on Math.
- The next week focuses on ELA.
These activities provide valuable data that helps us identify strengths, celebrate growth, and provide targeted support when needed. We have already seen positive results from students who consistently engage with IXL.
Why Common Formative Assessments (CFAs) Matter
Another important way we measure growth is through Common Formative Assessments (CFAs).
CFAs help teachers:
- Determine what students already know before a unit begins.
- Adjust instruction based on student needs.
- Measure growth at the end of a unit or quarter.
- Ensure students are mastering grade-level standards.
Every CFA is important. When students complete both the pre-assessment and post-assessment, teachers can clearly see growth and make informed decisions about future instruction.
Classroom Engagement Makes a Difference
Student participation is essential in a virtual learning environment.
We ask students to:
- Actively participate in classroom discussions.
- Respond to teachers in the chat.
- Engage in activities such as Nearpod, Padlet, polls, and educational games.
- Keep cameras on when possible and appropriate.
Students who actively engage in learning opportunities are more likely to build confidence, strengthen their understanding of content, and achieve academic success.
Thank You for Your Partnership
As we move into the second quarter, I want to thank you for everything you do to support your child's education. We have truly enjoyed working with your students and are excited to continue helping them learn, grow, and achieve their goals throughout the year.
Remember, at MOVA Middle School, we love to SOAR to new heights together!
Sincerely,
Dr. Tania Farran
Join the Middle School Principal for an informative session focused on helping your student achieve academic success at Missouri Virtual Academy. During this meeting, parents will learn about the daily habits and expectations that support student achievement, including establishing a consistent school-day schedule, ensuring students log in by 8:00 AM, attend classes regularly, complete assignments, and use independent work time effectively. We will also discuss the importance of weekly grade monitoring, attending teacher help sessions, communicating with teachers, and utilizing IXL for assessments and skill practice. Parents will leave with practical strategies and resources to support their child's academic growth and help ensure they stay on track for success throughout the school year.
School Spirit Week - Dream Big!
Oct 19 -Monday: Dream Career Day 👩⚕️👨🚀
Dress as the career or future role you’d like to have someday.
Oct 20 -Tuesday: Mismatch Means Growth Day 🌈
Wear mismatched clothes to celebrate learning through mistakes.
Oct 21 - Wednesday: Motivation Shirt Day 💬
Wear a positive message, school shirt, or inspirational saying.
Oct 22 -Thursday: Challenge Accepted Day 🏆
Wear athletic gear representing perseverance and determination.
Oct 23 - Friday: Future You Friday ✨
Dress as your future self.
Tech Tips!
Tech Support for Parents & Students
Student and Family Support
- Family Support Room
Monday–Friday | 7am-5pm EST
https://k12.zoom.us/j/97739092933
We’ve extended Family Support through 5 p.m. ET to provide additional coverage for our West Coast schools and families. Families can join the room for help with getting started and navigating common back-to-school questions.
No appointment is needed—just join the appropriate Zoom Room during support hours.
Forgot How To Log In?
Tips for Success at MOVA MS
Schedule for Succes
To help you succeed, here are some tips to get your school year off to a great start:
Workspace: Find a designated workspace to work each day with minimal distractions.
Create a daily schedule:
Following a schedule will keep you organized and on track.
Here's a suggested schedule to try:
Monday -Friday:
8:00 am: Wake up, eat breakfast, check emails
9:00 am: Attend homeroom
9:30 am: Attend class on your schedule
10:15 am: Take a break to stretch, use the bathroom, have a snack, and work on assignments
10:45 am: Attend class on your schedule
11:30 am: Take a break to stretch, use the bathroom, have a snack, and work on assignments
12:00 pm: Attend class on your schedule
12:45 pm: Enjoy your lunch break
1:15 pm - 4:00 pm: Attend classes on your schedule, complete assignments, study, and answer emails.
Reach out to your teachers: Your teachers are here to help you succeed. Don't hesitate to ask questions or seek assistance when needed.
2026-2027 School Year Improvements
Increased classroom instruction
Instructional Improvements
- Math and ELA will be taught live Monday -Friday
- Science will be taught live three days a week
- Social Studies will be taught live 2 days a week.
- Electives will hold one live session per week for your student
- Help sessions are held 3 days a week - T, W, Th from 3:15-3:45 with all teachers attending to support your student.
Staff Additions
- Instructional Coaches have been added to enhance and support classroom instruction
- Interventionists have been added to help support students who are not performing on grade level to help them close any learning gaps.
- Ambassador - to help new students and families when they enroll with us.
Platform Improvements
- Student Launch Pad makes it easier for students to get to their class and assignments
School Calendar 26.27
Important Dates
Oct 15 End of 1st quarter
Oct 16 No school - Fall Weekend
Oct 24 Virtual Outing 12:45-1:15
Learning Coach Community
Join the learning coach community for MOVA MS HERE