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Volusia Online Learning Community Brief

Monday, February 24, 2025

Those who have read my messages and updates over the years have probably figured out that I love a good quote. I share a quote of the week with our staff and often work a good quote into my message to parents. The quote I shared with the staff this week is credited to Theodore Roosevelt, “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” These words have always resonated with me. As the son of a small business owner, I spent my formative years working for my parents and making sure the job got done regardless of the circumstances. Over the years, I’ve drawn inspiration from this quote in times when I was facing a lack of resources, an unforeseen obstacle, or was in a situation out of my control. Typically, I am reminded of this quote when asked if I am ready for a new school year to start. The reality is that it doesn’t matter if I’m ready, the new school year is starting anyway. The true meaning of, “ready or not, here they come!” 

This quote came to mind the other day as I was reviewing student numbers and reflecting on the new initiatives that we have taken on at VOL this year. Our goal has been to make virtual education more accessible to the Volusia County community, and by and in large we have. From opening full-time enrollment for midyear transfers, to bolstering our service to home education students, we have increased our enrollment by 20% in the last few months. Of course, we’ve done this without increasing the number of teachers. It’s likely that as a parent of a VOL student you have not noticed this change. This is a credit to the amazing teachers we have at VOL. Throughout the year, and really every year, the VOL staff has taken on any challenge that I presented to them and done the best they could (which is pretty awesome), with what they have, where they are.

Speaking of outstanding teachers, we are in the process of selecting our subject-area teachers of the year. A couple of weeks ago, we celebrated our outstanding counselors, Ms. Hamlin, Ms. WIlson, and Ms. Little, and honored Ms. Hamlin as our Counselor of the Year. This week, we have identified our math teachers of the year: Ms. Wesler for elementary and Ms. Allanson for secondary. Ms. Wesler is our 4th grade teacher and is taking on intermediate math for the first time with enthusiasm! Ms. Allanson is our math department chair and teachers all three middle school grade level mathematics classes. 

I cannot express to you how proud I am to lead this particular group of teachers. They work tirelessly to provide a unique level of support for our students, your children. Teacher Appreciation Week is still a couple of months away, but I want to start advocating now for you to find a way to show how much you appreciate them. Please reach out to me if you have any ideas or positive insight that you would like to share.

Thank you for reading. Please scroll down for important information, updates, and highlights of our outstanding students and staff.

Dr. Serianni

February 26th – SAC Meeting

February 27th – STEAM Event @ 5pm

March 4th – Lego & Robotics Club @ 4pm

March 6th – Lego Club (Elementary Only) @ 3:30 pm

March 8th – Field Day @ 10 am – Deltona Middle School

March 14th – 23rd – Spring Break!!!

February STEAM Event (Feb. 27):

VOL Online Store:

Clothes Bin:

Spring State Testing:

The spring state testing season will begin soon. The state requires these tests to be taken in-person. Full-time VOL families were given a choice to test either at our VOL headquarters, or at their zoned school. We will be sending personalized testing emails soon with student-specific testing information. As a reminder, participation in state testing is a mandatory condition of full-time enrollment at VOL. Please reach out to Dr. Markell by emailing bgmarkel@volusia.k12.fl.us or by calling (386) 734-7190 ext. 72701 if you have any questions about state testing.     

Here are the VOL headquarters general spring test dates:

· April 3: BEST Writing- Grades 4-6, and Grade 10

· April 4: BEST Writing- Grades 7 and 9

· April 8: BEST Writing- Grade 8

· May 1: FAST ELA Grades- 3-5, and Algebra 1 EOC Grade 12

· May 2: FAST ELA Retake- Grades 11 and 12

· May 6: FAST ELA- Grades 6 and 9, and Statewide Science- Grade 5 

· May 7: FAST ELA- Grade 7

· May 8: FAST ELA- Grades 8 and 10

· May 9: FAST Math- Grades 3-5

· May 13: FAST Math- Grade 7, Statewide Science Grade 8, and Biology EOC

· May 14: FAST Math- Grade 6, Civics EOC, and US History EOC

· May 15: FAST Math- Grade 8, Algebra 1 EOC, and Geometry EOC

Students testing at VOL HQ who have 504/IEP accommodations will be tested on the following dates:

o April 3: BEST Writing- Grades 4 & 5

o April 4: BEST Writing- Grades 6-10

o May 1: FAST ELA- Grade 3

o May 2: FAST ELA- Grades 4 & 5

o May 6: Statewide Science= Grade 5

o May 8: FAST ELA- Grades 6-10

o May 9: FAST Math- Grade 3

o May 13: FAST Math- Grades 4 & 5, Statewide Science- Grade 8, and Biology EOC

o May 14: Civics EOC and US History EOC

o May 15: FAST Math- Grades 6-8, Algebra 1 EOC, and Geometry EOC

VCS Zoned School Test Dates:

* April 3: BEST Writing- Grades 4-10 

* April 21-25: Florida Civic Literacy Exam (High School)

* May 1: FAST ELA- Grades 3-5 and Algebra 1- Grade 12

* May 2: FAST ELA Retake- Grades 11 and 12

* May 6: FAST ELA- Grade 9 and Science- Grade 5

* May 8: FAST ELA- Grades 6-8 and Grade 10

* May 13: FAST Math- Grades 3-5, Statewide Science- Grade 8, Biology EOC, Civics EOC

* May 14: US History EOC

* May 15: FAST Math- Grades 6-8, Algebra 1 EOC, Geometry EOC

* May 20: Algebra 1 Retakes- Grades 9-11

** These are the zoned school general test dates. Schools may test students with 504/IEP accommodations on different dates than listed above. Families will receive personalized testing emails that give student-specific dates.   

Please accept our sincere apologies, due to some technology automations some families received communication on Friday afternoon indicating that their student was behind in one or more courses. We have identified the error and apologize for the miscommunication. 

We are happy to share that we will be hosting Field Day for our VOL students in grades K-12 and their families on Saturday, March 8th at Deltona Middle / Highbanks Learning Center located at 250 Enterprise Road, Deltona. The fun begins at 10:00 AM. Lunch will be provided at 12:30 PM. It will be a great day filled with fun challenges, dancing, and good times. 

*** High school students are encouraged to attend as a volunteer for this event to receive volunteer hours. ***

Please let us know if you intend to join us for Field Day, by clicking on the link.

Teachers will be assigning Quarter 3 report card grades based on student progress at the end of the school day on Thursday, March 13th. 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).  

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 to your home. Caps and gowns will be distributed through Volusia Online Learning in early May. 

Senior Spotlight:

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Senior Survey:

Senior Interest Survey - https://forms.office.com/r/uegvvAXrcz

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Senior Portraits - DSP-PHOTO.COM

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VOL Graduation Calendar: 

• VOL Senior Awards Ceremony – Tuesday, May 27th @ 7:00 PM

• VOL Graduation Rehearsal – Thursday, May 29th @ 12:30 PM

• VOL Graduation Ceremony – Friday, May 30th @12:30 PM

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Dr. Markell bachelor's degrees are in History and Elementary Education. She has a Master's Degree is in Education, Curriculum and Instructional Technology. She has a Doctorate degree in Psychology with an area of emphasis in learning and technology. Her final dissertation for my PhD is available to read online in many academic libraries. Dr. Markell is currently the testing coordinator and ESOL contact for VOL. I have taught elementary and high school in previous years. I hold teaching certifications in Elementary Education, ESOL, Reading K-12, Social Sciences 6-12, and Language Arts 6-12.

In her free time, she likes to read, cook, and spend time outside in nature. She enjoys beaches and water sports such as scuba diving and boating. She also loves animals and wildlife.

Fun Fact: I'm a proud NASA mom! My daughter is a researcher at NASA's Ames Researcher in Silicon Valley, California.

Inspirational Quote: "In the realm of the unknown there is an infinite power for good." ~ Charlie Chaplin, filmmaker

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Thank you for reading and have a great week!

Dr. Serianni, Principal

Volusia Online Learning

Sunday, February 23, 2025