I hope this message finds you well as we have just passed the halfway point of the 3rd marking period. With the conclusion of the second round of FAST testing, I am thrilled to share some incredible news with you.

 

Firstly, I am delighted to announce that we achieved a 100% testing rate among all our students. This accomplishment wouldn't have been possible without your cooperation in ensuring that your child completed their testing. Your unwavering support is invaluable as we work towards our ultimate goal of reaching 100% participation in the upcoming spring testing window.

 

Moving on to the results from PM2, I am exceptionally proud to report that our VOL students have demonstrated outstanding performance across all grade levels. In reading, our elementary school students in grades 3 through 5 achieved an impressive 91% scoring at level 3 or higher, exceeding county averages significantly. Similarly, our middle school students in grades 6 through 8 and high school students in grades 9 and 10 outperformed their peers in both reading and math.

 

At the elementary school level, VOL students in grades 3 through 5 outscored their peers across the county in math, 38% to 25% at level 3 or higher. In middle school, 64% of VOL students in grades 6 through 8 scored a level 3 or higher in reading, compared to 40% of students across the county. Similarly, in math, 46% of our 6-8 grade students scored a level 3 or higher compared to 27% across the rest of the district middle schools. In high school, 61% of VOL students in grades 9 and 10 scored a level 3 or higher in reading, whereas 39% of students across the county achieved the same.

 

In fact, VOL stands as the highest scoring school at each individual level in Volusia County Schools, a testament to the dedication and talent of our incredible teachers and students.

 

As we look ahead, the 3rd round of testing will arrive sooner than we realize, with just 10 weeks until the beginning of the spring testing window. I encourage you to remain vigilant in tracking your child's progress and ensuring they stay on track to complete their courses before the end of the school year. Planning ahead and setting a pace to finish early will be beneficial, especially considering the shorter second semester due to state testing.

 

Additionally, please be reminded that during the spring testing window, all students will need to test in person and therefore will need a school ID. Emails were sent out about how to obtain your child's ID, but if you have any questions, please email Ms. Laura King at [email protected].

 

Let us continue to work together towards achieving great things for our students. As Vince Lombardi once said, "Individual commitment to a group effort – that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work."

 

Thank you for reading.

Dr. Serianni

You may now schedule your sitting for Senior Portraits with Dean Stewart Photography in Daytona Beach. Use the link below.

Orders can be placed on the Herff Jones website (www.herfforlando.com) or you may order in person at their Winter Park office (address below). No appointment is necessary. All items ordered EXCEPT the cap and gown will be shipped to your home. Caps and gowns will be distributed at VOL during the second semester. If you have any questions, please feel free to call Herff Jones at the number below.

https://bit.ly/407hpua - CAP & GOWN PRICING & PACKAGES

https://bit.ly/48SfoWX - GRADUATION CATALOG

https://bit.ly/47PKYnO - CLASS RING CATALOG

A shout out to our Business Partner Rotondo Construction for their generous donation to support the Guidance Counselor Recognition Banquet! VOL appreciates you!

Rotondo Construction, a family-owned business based in Daytona Beach, FL, proudly serves Volusia County and its surrounding areas. Our expertise spans both residential and commercial properties. With exceptional craftsmanship in projects ranging from new construction to remodels. Our dedicated father and son team is committed to providing top-notch construction services.

With a wealth of experience exceeding 40 years, we bring our expertise to projects along the beachside, ensuring quality and reliability in every endeavor. At Rotondo Construction, we go beyond building structures; we build relationships based on trust, reliability, and a passion for turning your vision into reality. License # CGC1530535.

Phone number - (386) 320-9588

Website – rotondoconstructionfl.com

Email – [email protected]

· Emails with registration forms for the ACT-NCR test were sent to 11th and 12th graders in need of concordant scores for Reading and Math graduation requirements. Registration ends February 12th.

· The FSA Reading and Writing Retake and the FSA Algebra 1 Retake test window for eligible cohorts of 11th and 12th graders in need of concordant scores for Reading and Math graduation requirements will be February 19-March 8 only at zoned schools. Eligible students were emailed testing information.

· Parents and guardians of students taking the Access for ELLs and/or Florida Alternative Assessments will be contacted by their test administrators about these tests, which will take place in-person at our VOL building in Deltona.

· We are currently planning Spring state testing, which will occur in-person at VOL and at zoned schools. We hope to have a schedule finalized soon.

· We send specific testing information to students’ VCS Outlook email and the primary parent/guardian email on file, so it is important to make sure that these emails are checked regularly for state testing updates, especially as we get closer to the Spring in-person testing windows. Participation in state testing is a required condition of enrollment at VOL. If you have any questions or concerns about state testing, please contact our VOL testing coordinator, Dr. Markell, at (386) 734-7190 ext. 72701, or [email protected]

Spring State Testing Windows: 

· April 4-12: Writing Grades 4-10

· April 29-May 3rd: K-2 PM3 Star Testing

· May 1-31: EOCs (Biology, Civics, US History, Algebra 1, Geometry, ELA Retakes)

· May 7: Statewide Science Grades 5 and 8 (Makeups through May 17th)

· May 14-17: PM3 Grades 3-10 (Makeups through May 31st)

On February 1st, our primary students in Mrs. Kochis’ class celebrated the Hundredth Day of School.

On February 3rd, our VOL MathCounts team competed against six other middle schools in Volusia County. A total of 67 students competed for the opportunity to move onto the state competition. This was VOL’s first year competing with a MathCounts team. Our team consisted of four students: Laurie Furbert, Liam Bastian, Kael Pearson, and Osiris Dennis. Liam Bastian placed 5th and our school won the Most Spirit award! Thank you to Ms. Avram for sponsoring our team and your dedication to our students.

Teachers will be assigning Quarter 3 report card grades based on student progress at the end of the school day on Thursday, March 21st. Report card grades will reflect actual student progress or lack thereof for each course listed on their schedule (this includes special area and elective courses).

Did you know that VOL has our very own virtual store where students and families can purchase school related apparel and products? Feel free to check it out here: VOL Store.

Attention senior parents, Volusia Online Learning has partnered with Herff Jones, our official graduation supplier. Cap and gown orders can be placed online at www.herfforlando.com. Please be sure to place your order no later than March 1st to avoid paying a late fee. All items ordered EXCEPT the cap and gown will be shipped home. Caps and gowns will be distributed through Volusia Online Learning in early May.

Zevah Barnett is a Volusia Online Learning 3rd grade student. Her nominating teacher, Mrs. Edwards, says “Zevah is an excellent artist who can bring detail and life to her art. She can discuss and reflect on art in a thoughtful way and has a firm grasp and understanding of art vocabulary when critiquing art. This is also evident in the beautiful artwork she produces. She provides unique insight during class discussions and is always supportive of others.” 

Congratulations, Zevah!

Thomas Trayer is a Volusia Online Learning 10th grade student. His nominating teacher, Sra. Lescano, says “Thomas has an excellent attitude and work ethic when it comes to learning in Spanish 2. He attends weekly live lessons and is always willing to put forth effort. Pronunciation can be difficult, yet he is focused on learning and doing it correctly. He is a shining star and a great example for others in class. ¡Gracias por ser un estudiante tan dedicado!”

Congratulations, Thomas!

We are now halfway through the Quarter 3 grading period, which ends for VOL students on Friday, 3/15/24, the week before Spring Break.

By the end of the Quarter 3 grading period, students should have completed at least 50% of their coursework in order to be on pace to complete the course by the course end date on 5/24/24 (for Seniors the end date is 5/3/24).

All students should be working consistently in their courses, completing a MINIMUM of 3 assignments per week, every week, in every course.

Parents, guardians, and learning coaches are strongly encouraged to monitor their student’s coursework pace and progress regularly. This can be done by creating a parent/guardian account and linking the student’s account to it. This will allow you to monitor the course 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, online from anywhere. Click HERE to learn how to create your parent/guardian account today!

Q3 VOL End Date is 3/15/24.

SENIORS must have ALL coursework complete BY 5/3/24.

K-11th Grade students must have ALL Segment 2 coursework completed BY 5/24/24.

The Cavanaugh family, Scott(dad), Christen(mom), Jackson (4th Grade) and Logan (3rd Grade) have lived in the Debary area for almost 9 years. Scott's career is in I.T. and his hobbies include playing guitar, working on cars and motorcycles in his free time. Christen is a domestic engineer and loves spending time with her family, singing in the choir and tending to her butterfly garden. Jackson is a fantastic 4th grader who enjoys playing guitars with dad, working on his YouTube channel and riding dirt bikes. Logan is a terrific 3rd grader and is really into art, playing Super Mario and hanging out with mom. They also have our 2-year-old German Shepherd named King.

Prior to Covid, the Cavanaugh family did not know about Volusia Online Learning. Previously that were in a homeschool group which was a struggling and not a good fit. Which left them really discouraged. Finding Volusia Online Learning was a godsend for them. Jackson Cavanaugh has been enrolled in VOL for 4 years and Logan has been enrolled for 3 years.

Mom is a full-time learning coach. She has an amazing structure set up for both students. The Cavanaugh’s day starts off with getting up, dressed and teeth brushed. Sometimes Jackson and Logan eat breakfast before class and sometimes mom cooks during that class time and the boys eat on a break from class. When classes are done for the day, the Cavanaugh boys take some time to run around a bit before starting their work. At the beginning of the week, all their lessons, assignments, DBA's, etc. are put on a blackboard so they know exactly what they have going on that week. Mom puts all their classes, meetings and appointments on her calendar and sets alarms on her phone to make sure they're where they need to be on time. Jackson and Logan decide what they want to work on each day as long as everything is done by Friday afternoon. Mom sometimes sits in on her son’s classes and "help me" sessions with their teachers so that she can know how to best help them with their work. Doing so she has discovered a few gaps in her own knowledge. When they are done with everything mom scans and submits any work sheets that have been completed. She also goes over the feedback from their teachers on graded assignments. Mom is a learning coach that VOL can be proud of!

The Cavanaugh’s know that being a Volusia Online family takes a lot of time, energy, and focus. Mrs. Cavanaugh says she is “blessed and privileged, and eternally grateful to be in a situation to be able to take on this role as her children’s learning coach”. Having regular, daily access to communicate with their teachers when needed is key to being a successful VOL family. Schooling this way is truly a team effort.

Keeping everything as organized as possible is a huge help. The Cavanaugh children understand the importance of being self-motivated and taking responsibility for getting their work done. It is something that they have improved on, but also continue to work on. Having access to resources and support through Volusia County Schools like any other public school is a wonderful asset to being a VOL family!

The Cavanaugh’s plan to stay with Volusia Online Learning as long as VOL will have them! :) They believe it is a perfect situation for their family and a perfect blend of "traditional and modern" schooling. The somewhat flexible schedule allows the Cavanaugh boys more opportunities while still having the structure and support of the school itself. Mom is excited for the future and can’t wait to see how her children will continue to grow and develop in this unique school setting!

The Cavanaugh Family feels that VOL has helped their family in so many ways. It has given them the structure, state-regulated curriculum and support that was direly missing from traditional "homeschooling". Yet they still have the comfort, security, and flexibility of being at home - something they didn't think was possible. The Cavanaugh’s appreciate the INCREDIBLE teachers that have been and continue to be invaluable in teaching and supporting their children and their unique learning styles. They also believe a benefit of being a VOL family is they are able to get more sleep and there is no stress rushing around in the morning trying to get everyone ready and out the door for school. Mom says, “Both of my boys and I are insomnia-and-anxiety-prone so that is HUGE for us."

Mom really likes having more control over their schedules each day. “My boys can focus and learn without other distractions that might be going on in a classroom setting. It provides us with resources and support that we never would have had access to in regular homeschooling. For me as their mom, it's allowed me to be more involved in their schooling, seeing where they need help and where they excel and most importantly - given me precious extra time with them during these fleeting years while they are young."

The Cavanaugh’s really love Volusia Online Learning Teachers. They feel that the VOL classroom and special areas teachers embody what it means to be a teacher with their whole hearts and souls. They treasure the relationships they have cultivated with VOL teachers and other school personnel throughout the school years. The extra activities that VOL plans for the kids, such as the Winter Craft Event, the Fun Run, the Storybook Character Parade, and the recent trip to the theatre to see Frozen Jr. are fun for the whole family. The Lego Robotics Club is right up Jackson’s alley!

Some tips the Cavanaugh’s think may help other VOL families be successful are, find what works specifically for your student and your family. Communicating with the VOL teachers is a big factor in being successful. Staying organized is a necessity. Most of all be really committed to doing school this way with your child(ren), because YOU are the hands-on "teacher" that is with them the majority of the time. It's not always easy, there almost certainly will be some bumps in the road, but the rewards more than pay off for it - not just for your child(ren), but also for you. The biggest tip of all would be to be patient with everyone - your student(s), their teachers, and also YOURSELF as a parent (or other family member learning coach).

Master of Business Administration - Boston University

Bachelor of Arts (magna cum laude) in Public Relations - University of Massachusetts at Amherst

FLDOE Professional Educator

ESE

ESOL

Middle Grades; Mathematics, English, General Science, Social Science, Reading,

Business Education, Driver’s Ed.

IXL Certified

ServSafe Manager (state licensed to train food handlers)

Mrs. Short has been teaching for ten years. Prior to teaching, Mrs. Short and her husband owned a Clog Shoppe from 1988-2003. Mrs. Short enjoys working with students as she enjoys removing obstacles so that all students succeed. She also enjoys collaborating with amazing colleagues and families. When Mrs. Short is not working, she roots for all Boston sports teams and 1100 miles is not an obstacle! She also enjoys spending time with her husband and adult daughters.

Source: Statista Read full article

We do not need magic to transform our world. We carry all of the power we need inside ourselves already.

Habit is either the best of servants or the worst of masters.

The measure of who we are is what we do with what we have.

Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.

Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom.

Copyright Notice

Reproduction of this material, either written or electronically, including the general layout, graphics, analyses, and content topics without the express approval of Target Performance Systems, Inc., a Florida corporation, and Volusia Online Learning is forbidden without written consent. Thank you for your support of the Volusia County Schools and especially Volusia Online Learning. Please contact Dr. Serianni at [email protected] with any questions related to the program.

Volusia Online Learning | Dr. Serianni, Principal | 386.506.0014 | VOL Website