IDVA K-5 PARENT/STUDENT
HANDBOOK
2012-13
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Board of Directors
David Malnes, Chairman
Meridian
Kerry Heninger, Vice-Chairman
Boise
Nathan Vore, Treasurer
Lewiston
Dr. Monica Robinson-Eckert, Director
Pocatello
Kimber Tower, Director
Rigby
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ADMINISTRATIVE/MANAGEMENT STAFF
Desi Laughlin
Head of School
dlaughlin@k12.com
Kelly Edginton
Director of Academic Services
kedginton@k12.com
Tara Ball
Special Education Director
tball@k12.com
Heidi Curtis
Virtual High School Principal
hcurtis@k12.com
Amy Chadez
Elementary & Middle School Principal
achadez@k12.com
Allen Wenger
Business Manager
awenger@k12.com
Mike Groshong
Human Resources
mgroshong@k12.com
The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows.
Sydney J. Harris (1917-1986)
American Journalist
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Idaho Virtual Academy Mission Statement
The Idaho Virtual Academy will strive for student mastery of a rigorous, researchbased curriculum delivered on- and off-line that puts public school accountability,
teacher competence, and parent/adult involvement at the center of student learning.
Idaho Virtual Academy Vision Statement
Empowering teachers, students, and parents today with the tools of tomorrow
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Administrative Contact Information ................................................................................... 1
2011-12 Shool Calendar ....................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Student Enrollment ............................................................................................................. 2
Enrollment Policy ........................................................................................................... 3
Enrollment Information .................................................................................................. 3
Registration (continuing enrollment for the next school year) ....................................... 3
New Students and Transfer Students .............................................................................. 4
Student Withdrawal ........................................................................................................ 4
Student Medical Information .......................................................................................... 4
Student Records .............................................................................................................. 5
Attendance and Truancy Policy .......................................................................................... 5
Academic Policies ............................................................................................................... 7
Suspensions and Expulsions…………………………………………………………...….8
IDVA K-5 Promotion Standards ....................................................................................... 11
Promotion Standards for K-5 Students Working in Courses Below Age Appropriate
Grade Level in Math and Language Arts/English ............................................................ 12
Promotion Standards for K-5 Students Enrolling after 1st Day of School…………….. 12
Work Submission Guidelines ........................................................................................... 12
Progress Reports ........................................................................................................... 13
K-5 Progress Report Grade Marks .................................................................................... 13
Presidential Award for Academic Excellence ............................................................ 144
Presidential Award for Educational Achievement ...................................................... 144
Special Services .............................................................................................................. 155
Special Education ....................................................................................................... 155
Advanced Learner Program (ALP) ............................................................................. 155
Curriculum ........................................................................................................................ 15
National and State Content Standards ........................................................................ 166
Title I – Tier 2 Gem Ascent Program ............................................................................. 166
Materials ......................................................................................................................... 177
Learning Coach Responsibilities .................................................................................... 188
Communication with Your IDVA Teacher ................................................................ 188
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Standardized Testing ....................................................................................................... 188
Technology ..................................................................................................................... 199
Internet Service Provider Subsidy……………………………………………… ………20
Outings/Events ................................................................................................................. 20
Physical Education ............................................................................................................ 21
Discipline .......................................................................................................................... 21
Student/Parent Grievance Procedure ................................................................................ 23
Parent Teacher Advisory Board (PTAB) .......................................................................... 23
Parent/Student Handbook Addendum .............................................................................. 23
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Administrative Contact Information
208-322-3559 ext:
4001 - Desiree Laughlin (Head of School)
4011 - Kelly Edginton (Director of Academic Services)
4010 – Andrea Hampton (Office Manager) – or use extension zero
4017 – or 208-407-8538 - Heidi Curtis (Virtual High School Principal)
4021 – or 208-473-8231 – Amy Chadez (Elementary and Middle School Principal)
4036 – or 208-407-8208 – Tara Ball (Special Education Director)
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Student Enrollment
Enrollment Policy
IDVA is a statewide virtual charter school currently serving students kindergarten through 12th grade for the
2012-13 school year. The following state guidelines serve as the age determinations for each grade level.
Age on or before 9/1/10:
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
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
Birth date is on or before:
Kindergarten
First Grade
Second Grade
Third Grade
Fourth Grade
Fifth Grade
Sixth Grade
Seventh Grade
Eighth Grade
Sept. 1, 2004
Sept. 1, 2003
Sept. 1, 2002
Sept. 1, 2001
Sept. 1, 2000
Sept. 1, 1999
Sept. 1, 1998
Sept. 1, 1997
Sept. 1, 1996
Enrollment Information
Online enrollment is available at http://www.k12.com/idva. Detailed enrollment steps are included at this
website.
Any disability or allergy of a student should be noted on the enrollment form and on the medical forms included
in the enrollment package.
A copy of the Individual Education Plan (IEP) must be mailed or faxed to the school for identified special
education students.
Before official enrollment can begin, proof of residence, official birth certificate and current immunizations or a
signed exemption must be received.
Enrollment Priorities
IDVA has an open enrollment policy. An enrollment cap may be put into place after the school year begins. In
the case of an enrollment cap, if enrollment drops below the minimum enrollment number, students are taken
from a waiting list. Enrollments from the waiting list are on a first come/first served basis. Note: In the case of
an enrollment cap, preference for enrollment will be given to siblings of students currently enrolled in our
school.
Registration (continuing enrollment for the next school year)
In the spring, each family will visit the IDVA registration website and indicate whether each student will be
“registering”, “not registering”, or if they are “undecided” regarding registration status for the next school year.
Your promptness in visiting the website to inform us of your intentions not only helps us with staffing plans, but
it also ensures delivery of your instructional materials in a timely manner.
Note: Students expelled or withdrawn due to disciplinary reasons or lack of attendance (habitual truancy) may
only re-enroll with the approval of the IDVA Administration. In some cases, this will require a hearing before
the IDVA Board of Directors.
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New Students and Transfer Students
New students applying to IDVA will provide all records from previous schools. Students with poor discipline
and/or excessive absences at his/her previous school may be placed on probation at the IDVA. The probationary
requirements shall be determined on a case-by-case basis by the Administration.
Students will not be enrolled until all enrollment forms are complete and all records have been reviewed.
As per the charter application Enrollment Policy, students may be denied admission based upon the grounds set
forth in Section 33-205. Denial of school attendance.- of the Idaho Education Laws and Rules.
Student Withdrawal
Parents/guardians of students withdrawing from Idaho Virtual Academy must contact their IDVA teacher and
notify him/her of their desire to withdraw. The K12 Reclamations Department will contact parents/guardians to
arrange for the recovery of all school equipment and materials. Parents/guardians are expected to return such
items in the prescribed time frame. The date of withdrawal will be the date in which the parent/guardian
contacted the IDVA teacher requesting the withdrawal.
Student Medical Information
Immunization Policy
Idaho State Law (39-4801) requires students K-12 to provide the school with proof of the following
immunizations:
Summary of Immunization Requirements
Immunization Requirement*
Child born on or before
September 1, 1999
Child born after September 1,
1999 through September 1, 2005
Child born after September 1,
2005
Measles, Mumps, and Rubella
(MMR)
1 dose
2 doses
2 doses
Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis
4 doses
5 doses
5 doses
Polio
3 doses
3 doses
4 doses
Hepatitis B
3 doses
3 doses
3 doses
Hepatitis A
0 doses
0 doses
2 doses
Varicella
0 doses
0 doses
2 doses
All students who are enrolling, transferring, or returning after withdrawing must show verifiable documentation
of immunization at entry or reentry. The vaccination documentation is required to be on file at the Treasure
Valley Learning Center (TVLC). Exemption from this law is allowed for medical, personal, or religious
reasons. Any student claiming an exemption must have an Idaho Exemption Form on file at the TVLC. You
may contact us at 208-322-3559 to request a form.
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7th Grade Immunization Requirements
Effective with the 2011-2012 school year, in addition to the school entry requirements, a child must receive the
following immunizations prior to admission into the 7th grade: one dose of Tdap booster, and one dose of
Meningococcal vaccine. This requirement will be extended as the current 7th grade cohort advances to later
grades. Therefore, this requirement will be extended to: 7th-8th grade students in 2012-13, 7th-9th grade students in
2013-14, 7th-10th grade students in 2014-15, 7th-11th grade students in 2015-16, and 7th-12th grade students in
2016-17.
Emergency Care
When leaving an IDVA student in the care of IDVA staff for an IDVA event such as an academic workshop or
state testing, parents/guardians must provide the IDVA staff member on location with a telephone number to be
used in case of an emergency. In the situation that a student is ill or is injured, the IDVA staff member shall
have the authority to take the appropriate action to provide immediate medical care and/or ambulance service.
Every effort will be made to contact the parent/guardian to obtain his/her approval prior to a decision to
transport a student to a doctor’s office or hospital emergency room. In the event that the IDVA staff member is
unable to contact the parent/guardian, the IDVA staff member will attempt to contact the emergency contact
designated. Parents are financially responsible for any medical care and/or ambulance service for the student.
IDVA does not provide medical insurance to automatically pay for medical expenses when students are injured
at school. This is the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian.
Student Records
Student records are kept on file at the Treasure Valley Learning Center (TVLC). Student records are available
for viewing by parents/guardian upon request. Please contact the TVLC (208-322-3559) three days in advance
of the day that you plan to view the records. Records may be viewed in the presence of an IDVA Staff Member.
Attendance, Progress, and Truancy Policy
POLICY 902.5 ATTENDANCE AND TRUANCY
Idaho Code #33-512 (1) requires that each public school adopt a calendar that provides students at each grade
level with the following minimum number of hours of instruction. Idaho Virtual Academy (IDVA) requires the following
hours:
K
Grades 1 -3
Grades 4-8
Grades 9-12
450 hours
810 hours
900 hours
990 hours
Idaho Code #33-202 establishes that school attendance is compulsory for students between the ages of seven
(7) and sixteen (16), unless the student is comparably instructed. IDVA is one of the public school options available to
parents to fulfill this obligation. Parents should understand that IDVA is a public school alternative, not a home school
alternative. As a part of the public school system, IDVA has responsibility to account for the attendance and progress of
each individual student enrolled and for which IDVA receives public funds.
The procedures by which students can be suspended, expelled and reenrolled, as well as the appeal process are
delineated in the student handbooks.
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Attendance is defined as hours logged into the Online School, student progress in the curriculum, and attendance at
required online classes.
Refer to the student handbooks for specific examples, definitions and procedures.
These attendance regulations, as established by the Board, are subject to modification in the instance of an
individual student’s IEP or Section 504 Plan.
902.5 Denial of Enrollment – Students seeking IDVA enrollment
Pursuant to Idaho Code § 33-205, IDVA may deny enrollment and attendance to any student who has been
expelled from a public school district (LEA) within the state of Idaho or any other state.
Habitually Truant Students
IDVA will follow the process of denying enrollment for students who are habitually truant as is allowable by
Idaho Code § 33-205.
Adopted:
Amended:
2/09/2004
09/12/2005
09/21/2007
03/18/2008
7-10-2010
12-18-2012
Attendance Definition:
Attendance is defined as:
1.)
Actual hours attendance in the public virtual school.
Under either definition, the student’s time computation must include the actual time the student is
engaged in activities of the K-12 curriculum under the direct supervision and/or monitoring of the
identified responsible adult who is working with the student on the IDVA educational program. This time
can also include activities of the employed teacher directly interacting with the student, as well as time
when the student is engaged in K-12 online and off-line activities on the computer.
In addition to direct instructional time, additional engaged learning experiences may qualify for
attendance computation. Examples of such appropriate general learning experiences include but are not
limited to:
1.)
2.)
consultation with a professional in an area of expertise, i.e., a geologist,
visit to a historical or art museum as a component of an art or history assignment.
The supervising adult will be responsible for tracking all hours and reporting them as required on the
OLS. The OLS will be the official recording of attendance for a student. In order to assure balanced
learning, supplemental hours in music, art and Physical Education are limited to two (2) hours in each
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area per week to be included in the total hours for attendance. Physical education activities are to be
structured, organized and supervised.
OR
2.)
Regularly demonstrating engagement in educational activities of the On Line School, beyond simply logging on
to the school.
a.
b.
c.
d.
This prong of attendance will be monitored by the student’s assigned classroom teacher.
A student must regularly demonstrate at least six percent (6%) progress, per month, for core
courses.
Four to Six weeks of failure to meet the six percent (6%) progress benchmark, without prior
authorization by the school’s administration or the assigned teacher due to some extenuating
circumstance, shall be deemed sufficient to demonstrate that the student is not “attending” school.
A student/family who is anticipating an absence from the school for a period of a time or is
experiencing an event which could be considered an extenuating circumstance should make
arrangements with the assigned teacher or the school’s administration to address progress review in
order to complete necessary progress prior to and/or after the planned absence.
AND
3.)
Attending 70% of the Direct Instruction or Elluminate sessions for which the student is assigned to attend.
a.
b.
This prong of attendance will be monitored by the student’s assigned teacher.
Attendance at an assigned Direct Instruction or Elluminate Session may occur during the original and
live activity or may be completed by the student by watching the saved video recording.
** These attendance regulations, as established by the Board, are subject to modification in the instance of an
individual student’s IEP or Section 504 Plan.
Academic Policies
Promotion
Academic achievement through content mastery is the cornerstone of the Idaho Virtual Academy. IDVA
understands that children do not learn at the same rate or in the same manner. Our program offers families
flexibility in scheduling and instructional strategies. IDVA focuses on mastery of lesson objectives,
encouraging families and students to spend the time needed daily and throughout the year to master lesson
objectives.
Parents and placement specialists will work together to evaluate each student’s course level and grade level
placement. It is our aim to meet each child’s individual needs. Our program allows students to work at a pace
that is best suited to their individual needs while making continual academic progress.
Students may advance to the next course level upon mastery of the current course work. Sufficient progress in
all courses is expected before course level advancement in one area will be considered. Advancement of a
student from one course level to the next requires the approval of the IDVA administration.
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Achievement expectations are outlined in the table below. These will serve as the minimum requirements for
promotion to the next course level by the end of the school year. In order to promote to the next course level in
any subject during the school year, the student must master 100% of that subject, have submitted the required
work samples for the subject (see Work Sample Guidelines on page 9 of this Handbook), and have sufficient
progress in all courses.
Students enrolled in Idaho Virtual Academy will need to show required progress and have turned in the
requisite work samples in each course to be promoted to the next course level. The administrative team has
looked at each subject individually to form these percentages. Students will master the K12 curriculum to the
required level before course promotions will be approved. Note: Students working below grade level in Math
and/or LA/English may promote at 80% course mastery.
Suspensions and Expulsions – IDVA students
IDVA Policy 905.2 Student Suspension
The Head of School or designee may temporarily suspend any pupil for disciplinary reasons or for other conduct
disruptive of good order or of the instructional effectiveness of the school. Suspension procedures are outlined in the
student handbooks.
Adopted
12/18/2012
Suspension Procedure:
The Head of School or designee may temporarily suspend a student for up to five (5) school days.
The Head of School may extend this suspension for an additional ten (10) school days.
The Board may extend this suspension an additional five (5) days upon a finding by the Board that an immediate return
to school by the pupil would be detrimental to other pupils’ health, welfare or safety.
Any pupil who has been suspended may be readmitted to the school by the Head of School or Principal who suspended
him/her upon such reasonable conditions as said Head of School or Principal may prescribe.
The period of suspension may be “suspended” or “deferred” to allow the student to continue with education, and the
student may be required to participate in work and attendance as determined by the Head of School or designee. If a
student is suspended for inadequate attendance, they will be provided with information regarding options to transfer to
other public school programs.
A. Written Referral: Violations shall be presented in written form (such as an e-mail) and should be specific as
to the misbehavior or breach of the Code of Student Conduct.
B. Student Notification: The student will be placed on notice of the alleged violation by the Head of School or
designee.
C. Initial Conference: An initial conference (in person or by tele- or video-conference) shall be conducted by
the Head of School or designee.
a. Charges and Evidence: The Head of School or designee shall confer with the student, explain the
charges and evidence against the student, and allow the student an opportunity to present his or
her side of the story prior to taking disciplinary action.
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b. Parental Assistance: The Head of School shall make a good faith effort to employ parental
assistance or other alternative measures prior to suspension. The Head of School may suspend the
student immediately. The Head of School will take into consideration the seriousness of the breach
of conduct; whether the conduct is disruptive enough to require immediate suspension and/or if an
emergency situation exists.
D. Parental Notification:
a. By Telephone or E-mail: The Head of School or designee shall make a good faith effort to notify the
parent by telephone or e-mail of the student’s misconduct and the proposed disciplinary action.
b. By Written Notice: Regardless of whether there has been communication with the student’s parent
by telephone, the Head of School or designee shall, within twenty-four (24) hours of taking
disciplinary action, send written notice to the parent describing the disciplinary action imposed and
the reason for the action taken.
E. Board Notification: The Board of Directors shall be notified of any temporary suspensions, the reasons
therefore, and the response, if any, thereto.
F. Appeal or Challenge: If the student and/or parent(s)/guardian(s) wish to appeal or challenge the
suspension, the Head of School or designee will schedule an informal meeting to discuss the charges, any
evidence substantiating the charge, the sanctions imposed and the reason for such sanctions. After this
informal meeting, the student and or parent(s)/guardian(s) may request a formal hearing before the board if
they are still unsatisfied with the decision of the Head of School or designee. This formal hearing will follow
the same pattern as those required for expulsions. This hearing should take place within thirty (30) days
unless the student and/or parent(s)/guardian(s) request more time.
IDVA Policy 905.3 Expulsions and Denial of Attendance of enrolled IDVA Students:
Pursuant to Idaho Code § 33-205, the Board of Directors may deny enrollment or expel a student who is:
1.)
an habitual truant;
2.)
who is incorrigible;
3.)
for any violation of the Code of Student Conduct, or for any conduct which in the judgment of the board,
is considered to be continuously disruptive of school discipline, or of the instructional effectiveness of the
school; or
4.)
whose presence in a public school is detrimental to the health and safety of other pupils, or who has
been expelled from another school district in this state or any other state.
Refer to the Student Handbooks for specific procedures.
Adopted
12/18/2012
Expulsion Procedure:
A.
Notice: The written notice by certified mail shall state the grounds for the proposed expulsion or
denial of enrollment and the time and place where such parent(s)/guardian(s) may appear to
contest the action of the Board to deny school attendance. The notice will state the rights of the
pupil to be represented by counsel, submit any evidence and/or produce any witnesses on his/her
own behalf, and cross-examine any adult witnesses who may appear against him/her. If the notice
to the parent by certified mail is returned as unclaimed, the parent will be deemed to have been
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provided notice pursuant to Idaho Code § 33-205 and have waived the right to a due process
hearing.
B.
Hearing: The Board of Directors shall have a full and fair formal hearing on the allegations set forth
in the written notice.
This hearing shall occur within a reasonable period of time. The student and/or
parent(s)/guardian(s) may request a delay in order to be prepared for the hearing. The hearing
shall be held within 30 days of the notice of intent to expel, unless there are extenuating
circumstances or a request for an extension of time has been granted to the student/family.
During this hearing the Student shall have the right to be represented by counsel, submit any
evidence and/or produce any witnesses on his/her own behalf, and cross-examine any adult
witnesses who may appear against him/her.
C.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
Procedure: After proper notice as set forth above, the following procedure shall be used.
Opening Statements: Both sides shall have the opportunity for opening remarks or statements.
Burden of Proof: The IDVA has the burden of establishing grounds for the expulsion of the student
based on the allegations set forth in the written notice.
Cross examination: The student or their counsel may cross-examine adult witnesses.
Student’s Case: The student or their counsel has an opportunity to present evidence and/or
witnesses.
Closing Remarks: Both sides have the opportunity to provide closing remarks.
Decision: At the close of the hearing, the Board of Directors will retire to deliberate the case and
upon reaching a decision will issue findings of fact and conclusion supporting their decision. Upon a
motion made in open meeting, the Board will issue the approved Findings, Conclusions and
Decision. A copy of which shall be delivered to the student/parent(s)/guardian(s).
D.
Truancy: Any student who is suspended on more than one occasion in a six (6) month period for
inadequate attendance; or whose “attendance” at school violates the attendance regulations of the
Board as detailed in this policy; or whose attendance is of a sporadic and inadequate nature without
justification or extraordinary circumstances may be determined by the Board of Directors to be an
habitual truant and may be expelled after notice and a hearing as set forth above.
E.
Special Education Students: Students enrolled in special education or on a 504 Plan will not be
suspended or expelled without consideration by a manifestation determination as outlined in Policy
No 546 to assure the provisions of FAPE are consistent with the requirements of the IDEA and
Section 504.
F.
Reenrollment: Any student who has been expelled from the Idaho Virtual Academy may appeal to
be reenrolled in the school, after the terms/time limit of the expulsion has been completed by the
student, pursuant to the procedures outlined in Idaho Code §33-502. Approval must be granted by
the Head of School and the Board of Directors. The Board will notify the parent(s)/guardian(s) of the
student in question, in writing by certified mail of the date and time of the reinstatement hearing.
The hearing will be a face-to-face meeting before the Board of Directors (if a quorum can be
obtained) or a telephone conference with a quorum of the Board of Directors in attendance.
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IDVA 2012- 2013 K-5 Promotion Standards
Percentage Requirements for End of School Year Promotion
**Specific work samples must be submitted to the IDVA teacher before Language Arts promotion will be approved. See
Work Sample Guidelines.
Percentages will be taken from the “view core lessons” view of the OLS.
Math
Language Arts
Science
History K-4
History 5 and above
Art
Music/Foreign Language
95-100%
95-100% (all LA/English strands and Lang Skills sub strands GUM, Vocabulary, and
Comp must meet promotion percentage requirements in order for LA/English to promote)
95-100%
95-100%
100% as the courses are sequential
100%
100%
Promotion in Art , Music, and Foreign Language will occur when 100% of the course is
mastered. Students may work for more than one academic year to complete the Art,
Music, or Foreign Language promotion requirements for a course level.
Percentage Requirements for Promotion During the School Year
No promotions or placement changes will be made until after September 30th. Holistic progress in ALL courses is a
determining factor in the approval of “in year” course promotions. Administration has the discretion to hold off on a
course promotion if other courses are lagging behind. Teachers will send “in year” promotion requests when a course is
95% mastered and completed in the “view core lessons” view of the OLS (Algebra I being the exception. See above.),
and the second semester or end of year assessment has been mastered to 80% or better. However, the course will still
require 100% completion/mastery before beginning the next course if the promotion occurs during the school year.
Percentages will be taken from the “view core lessons” view of the OLS with the exception of Algebra I which will be
taken from the OLS “view all lessons” view.
All school year promotions will be made within one week of the initial request.
April 19, 2013 --The last day for “in year” course promotions.
Promotion for Students Working Over the Summer
Students working over the summer will have the opportunity to promote to the next level in any course in August. IDVA
teachers will submit course promotions for students meeting end of year mastery percentage requirements on August 15th.
Course promotions will also be submitted by IDVA teachers on the first day of the new school year. If a student chooses
to work over the summer to meet the end of year promotion requirements, he/she will need to complete the “end of year”
promotion percentages in a course by the first day of the academic year in order to promote under those guidelines. The
percentage requirements for Promotion During the School Year (see above) go into effect on the second day of the
academic school year. Regarding “Below AAG Promotions”, students will be considered at their 2011/12 AAG until
August 28, 2012.
Special circumstantial requests may be made in writing to Principal Amy Chadez at achadez@k12.com.
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Promotion Standards for K-5 Students Working in Courses Below Age
Appropriate Grade Level in Math and Language Arts/English
Percentage Requirements for Promotion During the School Year and at Year End
In our efforts to provide opportunities and means for each student to achieve academic success and reach proficiency at
his/her age appropriate grade level (AAG), Idaho Virtual Academy has developed alternate promotion guidelines for
students working in Math and/or Language Arts/English courses below AAG.
Percentages will be taken from the “view core lessons” view of the OLS.
Math
80%
Language Arts
80%
Students promoting at 80% must master the end of second semester math assessment and/or any semester assessment in
the Language Arts/English strands (GUM, Comp, Vocab, Test Ready, Literature, etc.) available for the course before the
Math and/or LA/English promotion is approved. Teachers will work closely with students and teaching adults to ensure
that mastery of core concepts is attained. Students promoting at these lower percentage requirements may be required to
take a placement test in the subject to determine proficiency before promotion is approved. Promotions are to be
submitted to Lead Teacher following promotion process and are to include in the notes that the student is working below
AAG. Teachers will submit these promotions when the student reaches 75% mastery.
School administrators may approve promotions at lower percentage of completion at their discretion.
Note: The “in year” promotion deadline of April 19, 2013 is waived for students working below AAG in Math or
LA/English in these courses only.
Promotion Standards for K-5 Students Enrolling after First Day of
School
IDVA has an open enrollment policy. Students enrolling after the first day of the school year will be given a
reduced, prorated “completion” percentage for grading purposes based on their enrollment start date. Students
enrolling beyond the first day of school will be encouraged to take unit or semester assessments to show
mastery of the beginning of the curriculum. In order for a student to promote to the next level of curriculum he
or she must have met the required percentage for progress as based on the student’s school start date, and
mastered the end of year/semester assessments in the core subject areas of Math, Language Arts/Literature,
History, and Science. For Math and Language Arts, State Assessments may be taken into consideration for
promotion, as well. All students must complete elective courses such as Foreign Language, Music, and Art to a
minimum of 100% before those courses will be eligible for promotion.
Work Submission Guidelines
ABOUT WORK SUBMISSIONS
Work samples continue to be a vital part of assessing Idaho Virtual Academy students’ academic growth.
Submitted student work helps teachers understand students better, provides the student with additional
accountability for high quality work, provides the student an opportunity to develop pride and satisfaction in
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work well done, and assists teachers in best helping students and their teaching adult in the ongoing learning
process.
IDVA has established a list of select work to be submitted by subject and grade level. These are not extra work
assignments but are work the student is regularly assigned directly from his curriculum and participation in
regularly scheduled testing.
Students will submit the required work samples to their teacher as they complete them in their regular
curriculum. These assignments are examples of the student’s response to one or more specific Common Core
Standards as well as to the K12 lesson objectives. Exceptions to the published requirements will be made on an
individual basis and only with administrative approval. Submitted work becomes part of the student’s portfolio.
HOW TO SEND
Scantron Math, Reading, and Language Usage assessments will be collected through your teacher’s Scantron
account. All other work submissions will be sent to the classroom teacher and may be submitted electronically
via scan and kmail, or they may be submitted directly to a student’s teacher at outings, school events such as
testing, or through US Mail. Teachers may also collect work samples online via Elluminate (our web
classroom). Teachers will respond to each student submission with comments and/or suggestions via kmail or
during phone conferences.
Work submissions must include:
Student name
Date of lesson completion
Unit and lesson number
WHEN TO SEND
Students are required to submit the work samples listed in the Work Sample Guidelines upon completion of the
work sample lesson as they progress in their regular curriculum.
Work samples must be submitted before promotion from a course.
Music, Art, and Foreign Language have no work submission requirements.
K-5 students have no History or Science work submission requirements.
We at Idaho Virtual Academy look forward to another terrific school year and partnering with you to help make
our students’ schooling experience effective and fun.
Progress Reports
One of the many features afforded by the On Line School is an up to date report of each student’s academic
progress and attendance information. A parent may log on to the system at any time and view this information.
For student records purposes a Progress Report, including On Line School Progress and Attendance Information
and IDVA teacher comments, will be sent to the parent/guardian at the conclusion of each school year or upon
student withdrawal from IDVA. If warranted, a “Red Flag” Progress Report may be sent to the parent/guardian
at any time during the school year. All Progress Reports, including Red Flag Progress Reports, will be filed in
the student file.
K-5 Progress Report Grade Marks
Percentage of course Mastered
Grade Mark on Report
0-89%
Incomplete (I)
(Exception: 0-79% Incomplete for students working below AAG in Math or LA)
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90-95%
96-100%
Complete (C)
Mastered (M)
Note: Some of our Language Arts/English courses are shown in strands on the On Line School. Language
Skills, Phonics, Literature, and Spelling are examples of some of our strands. Ideally, progress in each strand of
LA/English will be evenly distributed. If, however, progress in one strand does not meet completion or mastery
percentage requirements (promotion requirements), all strands will be marked Incomplete and promotion will
occur when each strand meets the required percentage. The exception is Spelling. A Language Arts course may
promote if Literature and Language Skills both meet required percentage even if Spelling does not.
Additionally, the Language Skills strand in Language Arts 3-5 must have the Composition, Vocabulary, and
GUM sub strands at the required promotion percentages in order to promote the entire course.
Presidential Award for Academic Excellence
1. School Criteria/Standards: A student must meet the following criteria by the end of the school year.
 Age Appropriate Fifth grade students promoting to Sixth grade and Age Appropriate Eighth
grade students promoting to High School are eligible to receive this award.
 Mastery of 95% or more of all lessons (including optional lessons) in Math, Language
Arts/English, History, Science, and either Art, Music, or Foreign Language.
 Minimum of 900 attendance hours for the school year (this may be adjusted accordingly for late
enrolling students)
 Spring ISAT scores in math or reading must fall in the Advanced category
 Consistent and excellent work samples/assignments
 Student must submit an essay regarding his/her goals for the future and how high achievement in
school will help them reach those goals,
OR Student must demonstrate that he/she is involved in community activities—this could be
youth group, drama productions, service clubs, volunteering, etc.
OR
2. Recommendations from a Teacher Plus One Other Staff Member: A teacher may recommend a
student for this award for specific reasons. One recommendation is to reflect outstanding achievement
such as English, mathematics, science, history, geography, art, foreign language, and any other courses
that reflect a school's core curriculum. This judgment is to be supported by tangible evidence that is
comprised of either results on teacher-made tests, portfolio assessment, or special projects.
Additionally, the second recommendation from a school staff member may address, for example:
involvement in community service or co-curricular activities including tutoring other students and/or
demonstration of creativity and achievement in the visual and performing arts.
The school principal has final authority to determine which students receive this award.
Presidential Award for Educational Achievement
President’s Award for Educational Achievement.
The purpose of this award is to recognize students that show outstanding educational growth, improvement,
commitment, or intellectual development in their academic subjects but do not meet the criteria for the
President's Award for Educational Excellence. This award should not be compared to the President's Award for
Educational Excellence or be seen as a second tier award, for it recognizes a very different type of academic
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achievement. It is meant to encourage and reward students who work hard and give their best effort in school,
often in the face of special obstacles to their learning.
Teacher nominates student(s) from his/her class that show outstanding growth on the ISAT or
outstanding achievement in the face of adversity, etc. The teacher writes a paragraph about the student
including the reasons for the nomination.
When a student meets one or more of the following criteria, he/she may be nominated for this award.




Student shows tremendous growth in an academic area but does not meet all the criteria for the
President's Award for Educational Excellence. Growth may be from the Fall to Spring or Spring to
Spring ISAT, achievement in a specific subject or goal area, achievement in the arts such as music or
theater, etc.
Demonstrate unusual commitment to learning in academics despite various obstacles.
Maintain a school record that would have met the school's selection criteria for the President's Award for
Educational Excellence but illness, personal crisis, or special needs prevented the student from
maintaining such high standards despite hard work.
Student must have full attendance for the school year.
Please visit our Community Board to view the names of our Presidential Award winners from past years.
Special Services
Special Education
To ensure the provision of a free and appropriate public education to all school-age children, Idaho Virtual
Academy provides Special Education Programs in accordance with federal and state regulations and guidelines.
Prior to enrollment, the Parent/Guardian of all students with current Individual Education Programs (IEPs) must
consult with the IDVA Special Education team to determine suitability of the Idaho Virtual Academy’s program
to the student’s needs.
Advanced Learner Program (ALP)
Idaho Virtual Academy offers the option of a gifted specialist as a resource to any student who qualifies for the
IDVA Gifted Program. The IDVA program and K12 curriculum does not change for these students, but parents
of gifted IDVA students will have additional support in dealing with the unique issues that come along with
raising a gifted child. The gifted specialist is also available to assist in the area of expanding the K12 curriculum
and providing additional resources to families who need them. IDVA identified gifted students will be placed in
a Gifted and Talented education classroom and will receive services from one of our gifted specialists.
Curriculum
IDVA uses the K12 curriculum. It is a rich mastery curriculum that touches all learning styles and academic
abilities. It creates a sequence of objectives that builds toward mastery of a rich set of knowledge and skills.
“Tried and true” lesson activities enhanced with technology give students the practice they need to master the
objectives. To ensure mastery, every objective is assessed. Assessments, provided when each objective is
expected to be mastered, provide direction for further instruction and pacing, reinforce learning, and improve
longer-term mastery.
The appropriate level, pace, and hours spent on each objective varies by child. Adequate progress for most
students is an academic year’s curriculum within a school calendar year. Achieving this will take some children
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more instructional hours than others, and judgments may be made about which activities to complete, redo, or
skip.
National and State Content Standards
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The K curriculum was designed to meet or exceed National Educational Standards in all subject areas. We are
proud to say that our curriculum meets or exceeds Idaho State Content Standards. The Idaho State Content
Standards are the minimum standards to be used by all Idaho school districts to establish a level of academic
achievement necessary for students to graduate from Idaho’s public schools. You may view the Idaho Content
Standards at http://www.sde.idaho.gov/instruct/standards/.
IDVA students are immersed in technology throughout their schooling experience. The specific Idaho Content
Standards for technology applies to eighth grade and are listed below. The eighth grade was chosen because it is
considered to be the culmination of the elementary/middle grades and sets the standard for a student entering his
or her high school career. Therefore, the following standards are what we expect an eighth grader to know and
be able to do in the area of technology. For more details visit:
http://www.kamiah.org/teachers/preidlen/Tech/ISITS.pdf.
Technology Foundation Standards for all students
The Technology foundation standards for students are divided into six broad categories that were developed
through the National Educational Technology Standards (NETS) project coordinated by the International
Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). Standards within each category are to be introduced, reinforced,
and mastered by students. These categories provide a framework for linking sample applications. These
standards and benchmarks are used as guidelines for planning technology-based activities in which students
achieve success in learning, communication, and life skills. Visit
http://www.kamiah.org/teachers/preidlen/Tech/ISITS.pdf to review the Idaho Student Information Technology
Standards (ISITS).
Title I – Tier 2 Gem Ascent Program
IDVA is a school-wide Title I school. If your child needs some extra help in Math, Language Arts or Reading,
we will provide services for you through our Tier II Gem Ascent program. IDVA teachers have been trained to
identify and remediate specific areas of academic need in students. If you have concerns about a specific
academic area for your student, please, discuss this with your IDVA teacher.
What is Tier II?
Our Tier II, or Gem Ascent, program is a targeted intervention program designed to give students a boost
through timely, additional, teacher-directed instruction that is provided around key concepts either one on one
or in small groups. We know from looking at our school-wide data that some of our students are struggling with
key concepts in math, language arts, and reading. Math, language arts and reading can present special
challenges for many of our students. The staff turns these challenges into learning opportunities for our students
by working with students on the concepts within the main content areas in which students are struggling.
Teachers use several research-based strategies to increase comprehension, fluency, and decoding skills in small
instructional groups or one on one.
Tier II Identification
Gem Ascent is about providing students with the extra learning opportunities they need to achieve mastery of
the content. Teachers use multiple data, including test scores, to select students to participate in this program. If
your student is selected for Gem Ascent intervention, he or she will be required to participate in small group
online class sessions targeted on a specific topic, as well as completing customized Study Island assignments in
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his or her Study Island assignment pathways. Failure to participate in online classes is a violation of IDVA
Board Policy #902.5 and may lead to expulsion.
How long will my Gem Ascent student be in the program?
All teachers write their own learning plans for each identified student and the progress of each identified student
will be monitored throughout an 8-10 week period by their to ensure that progress is being made toward the
goal and that the intervention is working as intended. If the intervention is not working, it will be changed.
Gem Ascent is not meant to be a “lifestyle”. Gem Ascent is meant to provide timely instruction to our students
who need it. Once the intervention is successful, the student will not continue in the Gem Ascent program, at
least not for the particular reason targeted by the intervention. Gem Ascent is intended to be flexible and to
provide services to students who need them, when they need them. You will be informed of the goals set for
your identified child and his or her progress on a regular basis. At any given time, we would expect that 10-20%
of the IDVA students may be in Gem Ascent, but these will not be the same students for the same reasons over
time.
How can I help with this program?
Our teachers will need your help with this program. In some cases, teachers will need to talk to your students
more often. In other cases, they may need your help to ensure that your child attends Elluminate sessions or ask
you to attend Elluminate sessions with your child. You will ensure your student completes their Study Island
assignments and that daily progress continues in their K12 courses. In yet other cases, you teacher may ask you
to help with the intervention itself. For example, if the teacher is working with a student who is struggling with
fluency. S/he may administer a cold read and ask you to administer that same read as a warm read 2-3 more
times during the week and share the results. If a student is struggling with math concepts, the teacher may ask
you to ensure your student completes customized Study Island assignments prior to their next Elluminate
session so that at the start of the session, the teacher can see which problems were easily understood by the
child and which areas still present challenges.
We know that students want to do their very best and that they want to learn the content that they should be
learning. However, we also know that for some students, this comes easier than for others. As a school, it is our
job to meet the needs of all learners, helping them reach their full potential. The Gem Ascent program provides
a purposeful, targeted way to understand where students are struggling and to intervene in a timely manner
before small struggles turn into bigger problems.
Materials
Idaho Virtual Academy provides a computer, printer, books and other curricular supplies necessary to
implement the K12 curriculum. These materials are public property and will be returned upon course completion
or withdrawal of the student. (Computer equipment will be returned upon withdrawal of the student). Families
accept responsibility of paying for lost or damaged school materials. Internet subsidy is provided for those
families who qualify. You may fill out the application by clicking the link below to update your information:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/familyincome . Families who qualify will fill out an online subsidy form sent
each fall and spring.
All printed materials are copyrighted. Unauthorized copying of that material is a copyright infringement.
Materials cannot be sold or transferred and are to be used solely by the student in his/her studies while enrolled
in the school.
All 2nd computer approvals are made at the discretion of IDVA Administration. As a public school, IDVA has a
limited budget and suggests that families investigate the Computers for Kids program before making a 2nd
computer request. The website is: http://www.cfkidaho.org/.
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Learning Coach Responsibilities
Communication with Your IDVA Teacher
Highly Qualified, state certified Idaho teachers are an essential piece of the educational model utilized by Idaho
Virtual Academy. Each student enrolled in K-5 will be assigned an IDVA teacher. Your IDVA teacher is the
primary communication channel between you and the Idaho Virtual Academy. Your K-5 student and you will
have regular Learning Coach/Student/Teacher conferences and kmail communications with your IDVA teacher.
Your teacher will provide timely information about the school, curriculum implementation, materials, computer
information, programs, activities, testing, and other events related to the Idaho Virtual Academy. IDVA
teachers combine experience and in-depth understanding of the curriculum to help you personalize K12's
curriculum to best suit the needs of your child. Active communication with your IDVA teacher will benefit you
and your child as we strive together to provide the best possible education for your child.
Kmail:
In our model, kmail is a primary communication platform. We require the Learning Coach to:

Inform the school and K12 of any changes to the family’s telephone number, mailing address, and/or
email address by editing the appropriate information on his/her My Info account

Check his/her kmail a minimum of once a day during the school week

Reply promptly to any kmail received from your IDVA teacher or administrator.

Refrain from sending spam email to IDVA staff.
K-5 Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences:
Parent/Teacher/Student conferences are an essential and integral piece of our program. They enable us to
support the success of each child. You will have multiple conferences during the school year via online
classroom, phone call, and/or kmail conference. The goal of IDVA is for each student and family to excel with
this model of education. Families are encouraged to contact their teacher via kmail or a phone message if they
require or desire added communication. You are always encouraged to contact your IDVA teacher any time
during the school week should you have questions or need assistance.

Learning Coaches are expected to be available for regularly scheduled conference calls. The date and
time of the conference will be arranged at a time mutually agreeable to both the parent and the IDVA
teacher. In the event that the Learning Coach is not available for the scheduled conference call, s/he is
expected to notify the IDVA teacher, if possible, at least 24 hours in advance of the call to reschedule.
Standardized Testing
IDVA students are required to participate in all Idaho State Standardized Testing. These tests will be
administered by IDVA teachers. Each IDVA teacher will contact the parent/guardian of the IDVA student and
share testing dates and locations prior to the administration of the test. It is the responsibility of the
parent/guardian to transport the student to the testing location at the appropriate date and time. These tests will
provide useful information to parents and teachers regarding student academic achievement.
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All IDVA students are required and expected to participate in the appropriate standardized testing detailed
below:
Name of Test
Idaho Reading
Indicator (IRI)
Idaho Standards
Achievement
Tests (ISAT)
Participants
Kindergarten
First
Second
Third
All students in
3rd -8th & 10th
Grades
Testing Window
Fall: August 20 – September 28
Spring: April 8 – May 10, 2013
April 8-May 10, 2013
The individual assessment information we receive is invaluable. Teachers and parents will work together to
pinpoint areas of academic strength and weakness, set academic goals and work towards improvement. Student
academic success is our main goal at IDVA!
IDVA Required Testing
At IDVA, we are consistently striving to improve student learning. Using benchmark assessments assists us in identifying
strengths and weaknesses for our students, and drives our instruction. Students in grades 3 – 10 are required to take the
Scantron Performance Series in the fall and spring. This assessment is a standards-based formative, computer-
adaptive diagnostic assessment. Your child will need to take two assessments; one in math and one in reading.
Your student may also assess in language arts and/or science in order to provide more detailed information on
their current abilities. This assessment is a fantastic tool that will provide a great deal of information on each
child’s specific abilities and areas of need, which will allow us to work together to set goals for the year.
Students who take the assessment at the beginning of the year and the end of the year are also able to see the
growth they make throughout the year!
Students will also be required to take two Study Island custom assessments each year (fall/winter). The custom
assessment will be used as data points to help guide teachers in assisting students in mastering the common core
standards. After completing the custom assessments, students will begin working on pathway assignments in
Study Island based on common core standards. These assignments are aligned with common core standards for
math and English language arts (ELA). Remediation will be required via online class sessions for students who
struggle with Study Island pathway assignments.
Technology
All issues related to K12 supplied computer materials or Elluminate should be reported first to K12 Customer
Care: 1-866-512-2273 option 2. If your issue is not resolved through this process, inform your teacher, and s/he
will escalate it to our IDVA Operations Manager. If you are using your own computer rather than one provided
by K12 computer, you are responsible for technical support regarding the computer. IDVA provides one
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307.1 Internet Service Provider Subsidy
INTENT: It is the intent of IDVA to provide assistance to families with computer and/or internet subsidy needs so they
may participate in IDVA curriculum and learning opportunities. This policy specifies the terms and conditions:
IDVA will pay a flat amount of $30 per month to families who meet the Free or Reduced Lunch status. Only one
payment per family will be given. Each family must submit an application each semester in order to receive the subsidy.
The subsidy will not be paid after the end of the fiscal year to families who did not meet the criteria. Student must be
full time with IDVA.
Internet subsidies will be distributed to families who meet the aforementioned criteria AND log attendance and make
progress in the online school for the period of attendance for which payment is being sought. Attendance and progress
will be verified. Payment will be made via mail semiannually at the end of the first semester (paid on December 20 for
applications received by November 15) and at the end of the second semester (paid on June 20 for applications received
by May 15).
Appeals process:
In all cases, the Head of School shall have authority to make decisions about the subsidy based on special circumstances
of our families that may not be covered in this policy so long as s/he stays within the intent of the policy.
If deemed necessary by both parties, the family and the Head of School may approach the IDVA Board of Directors for
further clarification, interpretation, and ruling.
Internet Subsidy for Habitually Truant Students
In the event that a student is withdrawn from IDVA for habitual truancy, to the extent the family qualifies for possible
internet subsidy, the family shall only be eligible for the portion of internet subsidy corresponding to their period of
enrollment at the school. The internet subsidy will be prorated to subsidize only for the days the student was actively
enrolled at the school.
Adopted:
Amended: APRIL 2007
Amended: APRIL 21, 2009
Amended: MAY 2010
Amended: March 2012
Amended: December 18, 2012
Note: Only students who meet income qualification guidelines for Free and Reduced Lunch will receive the
ISP subsidy. Parents/Guardians of students who qualify must fill out an ISP Subsidy survey form online.
Information and the link to the survey will be sent in fall and spring. (NOTE: If your income has changed since
you filled out an income form with our school, please, click on the following link to update your information:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/familyincome)
Outings/Events
IDVA families will have a variety of opportunities to participate in outings/events across the state. Several
events are planned throughout the school year. Your IDVA teachers will attend regional community events.
Outing information will be shared through kmail from your teacher, on the IDVA event calendar at
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www.k12.com/idva , and on our School Calendar (websites for each region listed at the bottom of the weekly
newsletter you will receive from your IDVA teacher). IDVA families may participate in outings and academic
workshops planned by other IDVA teachers with approval of the IDVA teacher planning the event.
Participation may be limited to space availability. IDVA Outings may be included in Attendance Data. Please
contact your teacher with any questions.
Physical Education
Physical education is an important part of each child’s growth and development. We encourage our students to
participate in programs outside of the IDVA curriculum that relate to physical education as long as they are
“Supervised,” “Organized,” and “Structured.” These activities may be included in Attendance Data up to a
maximum of two hours per week. If you have any questions regarding which activities to include in this
category, please, feel free to discuss this with your child’s teacher.
Discipline
There are times throughout the school year when IDVA students meet as a group (i.e. standardized testing,
outings, academic workshops, online classes/activities). IDVA is committed to providing a safe, productive
learning environment for all students. Appropriate behavior is essential in the establishment of a positive
learning environment for students.
While attending and participating in school sponsored events IDVA students are expected to:

Treat all people with respect.

Listen to and follow the direction of the IDVA staff.

Treat all school property, including school computers, printers, curriculum, materials, and any other
resources provided by IDVA, appropriately and with care.

Use appropriate language in both written and oral communication.

Violence is prohibited.
Student behavior which disrupts the learning environment, endangers the safety of others, or endangers the
safety of the student will not be tolerated. Disruptive students will be removed from the event and parents will
be notified immediately. Following state law, administration reserves the right to discipline a student through a
behavior plan, suspension, and/or expulsion.
Weapons
Weapons are not allowed on school property or at school sponsored events. Following state law, administration
reserves the right to discipline a student through a behavior plan, suspension, and/or expulsion.
Threats
Threats against students, adults, or school staff will not be tolerated. Following state law, administration
reserves the right to discipline a student through a behavior plan, suspension, and/or expulsion.
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Tobacco, Drug and Alcohol
The use of tobacco, controlled substances, or alcohol on school property or at a school sponsored event is
prohibited. Following state law, administration reserves the right to discipline a student through a behavior plan,
suspension, and/or expulsion.
Cyber Bullying
Each user of the school community and Elluminate classroom is solely responsible for the content posted
through his/her log-in credentials. Sharing your username and password with others is strictly prohibited, as is
logging in with someone else's username and password, or impersonating another user.
The following tones, language, materials and behaviors are strictly prohibited:

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Posting personally identifiable information (whether directly or indirectly through a link to a personal
profile) such as phone number, IM, email address or street address in any format other than a private
message.
Antagonism or prejudice of any kind with respect to race, religion, gender, intelligence, age,
orientation, disability, or socioeconomic status
Posting material including photographs and videos inappropriate for minors (anyone under the age of
18)
Any criminal or other illegal activity including encouraging the unlawful use, possession, manufacture
or distribution of tobacco, drugs or alcohol
Illegally posting, distributing, uploading or downloading copyrighted work (whether music, video,
words, images, drawings, pictures, software or otherwise), or providing any information to circumvent
copyright protection devices or software
Sharing quiz, test, assessment, essay or term paper questions or answers or undertaking any other
action that would violate any code of conduct, expectations or rules of your school or teachers
regarding academic honesty or that would defeat the intent of any quiz, test, assessment, essay, term
paper or other academic assignment
Threats to anyone's physical or mental well-being
Threats to school or personal property
Stalking behaviors
Harassment of any kind
Explicit language or sexuality
Explicit or graphic violence
Spam or any other unauthorized/unsolicited or commercial promotion
Disruptions of the server or host software
Impersonations of others' identities, including employees/representatives of IDVA
Use of codes, software, or passwords that may grant unauthorized access to IDVA software or thirdparty software of any kind
Soliciting passwords or personal identifying information from other users
Content that poses any type of threat to homeland security
FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE STANDARDS MAY RESULT IN TEMPORARY OR PERMANENT
REMOVAL OF USER ACCESS. Following state law, administration reserves the right to discipline a student
through a behavior plan, suspension, and/or expulsion.
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Student/Parent Grievance Procedure
Idaho Virtual Academy is committed to fostering and achieving both employee and student/family satisfaction.
The following procedure was developed to ensure that the student/family grievances are addressed fairly by the
appropriate persons in a timely manner. The Academy prohibits discrimination against its students/family on
the basis of disability, race, creed, color, gender, national origin, religion, or ancestry. The time frame for all
appeals by employees and students/parents in the process is ten days unless determined by state or federal law.
If the concern or grievance is not resolved by the initial discussion with the teacher, the student and parent(s) or
legal guardians(s) may, within ten school days, request a meeting with either the Principal or the Head of
School to discuss the concern or grievance He/She shall investigate and respond within ten school days.
In the event that the response of the Academy’s Head of School is not considered satisfactory by the student and
parent(s) or legal guardian(s), they may, within school days, request a review with Idaho Virtual Academy’s
Board of Directors. The Board shall investigate and respond to the student and parent(s) or legal guardian(s)
within school days after the review. The decision of the Board will be accomplished by the vote of a simple
majority, and the decision is final.
If the grievance falls within the last days of school, the entire process will be resolved by June 30th.
Parent Teacher Advisory Board (PTAB)
New members of Idaho Virtual Academy will be interested to know that there is an organization available that
provides for them the opportunity to network and connect with other parents. Functioning as an important
partner in education with IDVA teachers and administrators are the Parent-Teacher Advisory Boards of the
Idaho Virtual Academy. The purpose of PTAB is multi-faceted. These groups exist to promote and support
educational and social opportunities for the students of IDVA in each of its regions; to provide educational
opportunities for parents and the community by aiding the staff of IDVA to conduct workshops, attract
speakers, and volunteering as mentors for new parents; encourage the social growth and school pride of children
and their families; and by adopting positions on issues relevant to educational free choice for all Idahoans and
for the advancement of Idaho Virtual Academy. In order for a PTAB to exist, we need parental support.
Currently, we have a very active PTAB SW in the Boise area. If you are interesting in activating a PTAB in
your region, talk with your teacher.
All parents/guardians of IDVA students, who are interested in participating in this type of organization in their
particular area, should contact his/her IDVA teacher for more information or may call the Treasure Valley
Learning Center (208-322-3559) to get contact information.
Parent/Student Handbook Addendum
Regarding Right to Receive Teacher Information
Federal law requires that each school district receiving Title 1 funds notify parents of each student attending any
school receiving these funds that information regarding the professional qualifications of their child’s classroom
teacher(s) may be requested.
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As a parent of a student attending a school receiving federal program funds, you have the right to know:
Is my child’s teacher licensed to teach the grades and subject(s) assigned?
Is my child’s teacher teaching with a provisional license, meaning the state has waived requirements for my
child’s teacher?
What is the college major of my child’s teacher?
What degree or degrees does my child’s teacher hold?
If there are instructional aides working with my child, what are their qualifications?
If my child is or will be taught for 4 or more consecutive weeks this year by a teacher who is not highly
qualified, will I be notified in a timely manner?
To request the state qualifications for your child’s teacher or instructional aide, please contact Mike Groshong,
IDVA Human Resources Manager, at mgroshong@k12.com.
If you would like more information about this Idaho Virtual Academy please feel free to contact your IDVA
Teacher or Instructional Coordinator via phone or Kmail.
If you have any questions about anything in our Parent/Student K-5 Handbook, please,
contact Amy Chadez, IDVA Elementary Principal, at achadez@k12.com. We welcome
you to IDVA and look forward to working with your family this year!