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On Thursday, May 8th, VOL senior Savannah Parker was recognized as the very first Take Stock in Children graduate for VOL. Take Stock in Children is a program that provides students with mentorship, college readiness and success coaching, and information about post-secondary opportunities, as well as financial assistance as they move on to those opportunities. Savannah has an incredible story and has been an outstanding ambassador for VOL. We are so proud of her accomplishment! For more information about Take Stock in Children, please visit the Futures Foundation.

Volusia Online Learning Community Brief

Monday, May 12, 2025

I can hardly believe we’re nearing the end of another incredible school year! It feels like just yesterday we were welcoming students back, and now, here we are—celebrating the final stretch.

For our seniors, the journey is shifting into high gear. As of this week, they’ve received their caps and gowns—a moment of true significance that marks the beginning of their next great adventure. The excitement is palpable, and we couldn’t be prouder of all they’ve accomplished.

Meanwhile, testing season is in full swing, and as of today, we officially have less than three weeks before summer arrives! VOL students, keep in mind that May 16th is the target end date for all coursework. This means all assignments should be completed by next Friday, ensuring that the final week can be fully dedicated to wrapping up any remaining DBAs or segment exams. If you’re ahead of schedule, don’t forget to book time with your teacher to finalize everything—because finishing strong is what it’s all about!

Let’s make these last few weeks count. Stay focused, stay determined, and let’s bring this school year to a fantastic close!

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

Dr. Serianni

May 13th – K-2 Field Trip to Texas Roadhouse – Orange City

May 21st – Expected End Date for K-11

May 27th – Senior Awards Ceremony

May 28th – Last Day of School 

May 29th – VOL Graduation Rehearsal

May 30th – VOL Graduation Ceremony

Spring State Testing:  

In-person state testing is currently happening for students in grades 3-12. Full-time VOL families were given a choice to test either at our VOL headquarters, or at their zoned school. Personalized testing emails were sent to families on March 11th, March 28th, and April 22nd with student-specific testing information. These important emails were sent to students’ VCS Outlook email as well as the primary and secondary contact on file. We will continue to send testing communication via email.  

Please contact VOL testing coordinator, Dr. Markell, if you cannot locate your personalized testing email, or if you have questions. As a reminder, participation in state testing is a mandatory condition of full-time enrollment at VOL. Dr. Markell can be reached by emailing bgmarkel@volusia.k12.fl.us or by calling (386) 734-7190 ext. 72701.     

Here are the VOL headquarters general spring test dates for May:  

· 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:  

· May 1: FAST ELA- Grade 3  

· May 2: FAST ELA- Grades 4 & 5  

· May 6: Statewide Science= Grade 5  

· May 8: FAST ELA- Grades 6-10  

· May 9: FAST Math- Grade 3  

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

· May 14: Civics EOC and US History EOC  

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

VCS Zoned School May Test Dates:  

· 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. Some schools may test students with 504/IEP accommodations on different dates than listed above.  

**A few schools’ test dates may differ from those listed above in some cases.   

Please refer to your student-specific personalized testing emails that give student-specific dates based on your specific testing location. 

State Testing

Thank you for working with us and rearranging your daily schedules to ensure your student is participating in their required state testing. We enjoy seeing their smiling faces on campus.

Please keep in mind that students in grades 3-12 are required to report for in person testing. If you have specific questions regarding your child’s testing schedule, please contact our Testing Coordinator, Dr. Bonnie Markell sooner rather than later.

Senior News

Attention senior parents, please mark your calendars for these upcoming dates:

• Graduation tickets and parking passes will remain on sale through 12:00 PM on Friday, May 23rd. Purchased tickets and parking passes will be distributed at Senior Awards. 
• Senior Awards at the Athens Theatre in Deland on Tuesday, May 27th at 7:00 PM.
• Graduation Rehearsal at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach on Thursday, May 29th at 12:30 PM.
• Graduation at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach on Friday, May 30th at 12:30 PM.

Target Completion Dates

We are in the home stretch of the 2024-2025 school year and the fourth nine weeks is upon us. Please plan to finish the year strong. Students in grades K-11 have a target completion date of May 16th. This allows all students to complete their coursework and DBAs prior to the last day of school on Wednesday, May 28th.  

2025-2026 School Year

Our VOL application is open for the 2025-2026 school year. Current students are expected to participate in state testing requirements and successfully complete their coursework this school year to be eligible for virtual coursework next school year.  Families do not need to reapply unless they were advised to do so. If you know someone who is interested in joining our VOL family, please have them attend one of our Virtual Information Sessions by registering here.

Laptop Returns

With the school year ending, students who borrowed technology devices are expected to return their loaner device. This allows district staff to install updates and upgrade devices for the next school year. Families may return their devices with chargers on the following dates/times:

Senior Slideshow:

Each senior will have a dedicated slide in our slideshow for senior awards and graduation. Please help us fill your senior’s slide with pictures by completing this form: https://forms.gle/38e4GEdkv8X6SHSd9

Graduation Information:

k12.vcsedu.org/Graduation-2025

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

Rising Senior Spotlight!

For the month of May, we would like to recognize our awesome VOL Students of the Month!

For the first time, we have had a tie in nominations for Elementary, we have two awesome students this month!

Elementary (2):  

Aminah Gillespie was nominated by her teacher, Mrs. Cange. She is a third grader in Mrs. Cange’s class. For her nomination, Mrs. Change said, “Aminah is a spectacular student: hardworking, responsible, and dedicated! Throughout live lessons she is a model student; she actively participates by reading aloud with terrific accuracy and expression, leads breakout sessions with maturity, and displays her math skills. She also demonstrated courage during our 3rd grade field trip by dissecting owl pellets and touching live reptiles, despite being fearful. Additionally, she is kind and friendly and loves to socialize with her besties after live lessons. Finally, she has worked overtime to complete all Segment 2 course work before the May 16th deadline, a true testament to her hard work!” 

What a wonderful nomination for Aminah! Great job, Aminah, we are proud of you!

And for our second elementary student, we have Mason Mastantuano, nominated by Mrs. Woodward. He is a second grader in Mrs. Woodward’s class, who loves to swim and play Minecraft. She wrote, “I would like to nominate Mason Mastantuano, who is in 2nd grade. This is Mason's first year in virtual school, and he has done a beautiful job making the transition. His work has shown great progress throughout the year. He keeps pace, participates in live lessons, and has come out of his shell to do so. It really has been a pleasure watching him thrive this year with VOL.”

What a wonderful nomination for Mason! Congratulations, Mason!

Middle School:

Our Middle School Student of the Month is Lily Luers, who was nominated by her teacher, Ms. Polly Wilson. She is in the 8th grade. For her nomination, Ms. Wilson wrote, “Lily has been the Captain of the Battle of the Books MS Team for the past two years. Her plethora of knowledge is mind- blowing. She is a phenomenal student and human. Her drive & compassion make her an All- Around Wonderful Kid! She is currently enrolled in Honors/advanced classes & has been throughout her MS years & dual enrollment classes in the 8th grade.” 

Congratulations to Lily, she has done a wonderful job with us at VOL!

High School:

Our high school Student of the Month is Taylor Whitson. Taylor is in the 10th grade and was nominated by her Biology teacher, Mrs. Pearson. For her nomination, Mrs. Pearson wrote, “Taylor is a student who always attends the live lessons and always participates in the conversations that we have. She is very positive and talkative in her DBA’s and has done well in my class and I am very proud of her. I have enjoyed having her in class this year!” 

Congratulations to Taylor, wonderful job!  

Ms. Robinson has a Bachelor's degree in English Education and History, Master's degree in Reading, Specialist Degree in Curriculum and Instruction. In her free time she enjoys practicing yoga and to read at least one book a week. She currently teaches middle school history and social media. 

Fun Fact: I've been invited to the White House twice to speak about my lived experience of being a triple negative breast cancer survivor.

Inspirational Quote: "You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them." — Maya Angelou, poet

Have a wonderful week and Happy Mother's Day!

Dr. Serianni, Principal

Volusia Online Learning

Sunday, May 11, 2025