ALDCA Newsletter

Important Information for Our Wonderful Students

Please read carefully

Did you know we have a Facebook page? Like our page as another way to stay up-to-date about important ALDCA information.

We hope you have had a great start of school--or will have a great start next week. Schooling virtually can seem overwhelming, so we commend you for the efforts you are putting forth to make this a wonderfully successful year. We're here to support you in your decision.

We are working hard to bring you the best career (or college) options with the best instructors in the state. Please take a few minutes to watch the presentation; do a little exploring of your own; and complete the survey by Monday, August 26th.

If you're not 100% sure which Academy and Pathway you're interested in, that's okay. Choose the one you like best. Later, if you decide you're interested in something else, let us know.

We apologize for any confusion and inconvenience about MAP testing. This is our first time giving this test, so are having to adjust a few things; therefore, we did have to reschedule students for testing. If you have not received an email with directions, you will soon. You should also see the invitation on your Class Connect schedule. If you have other sessions scheduled at the same time as your MAP testing session, don't panic. Go to the MAP testing session instead.

You may not take your test until next week.

There are a few things we need you to do BEFORE testing. This is very important because you will not be able to start the test until you have done these things.

1) Make sure you have the latest versions of Chrome or Firefox.

2) Enable (allow) pop-up blockers. Directions for Chrome. Directions for Firefox.

3) Make sure your webcam and microphone work.(If you don't have a working webcam or microphone, you must download Zoom on your phone to take the test.)

4) Change your screen resolution to 1024X768 Directions for MAC users. (You can change it back after the test.)

5) 5) Visit http://test.mapnwea.org to take a practice test. (Have this site opened when you enter the classroom.)

Learning Coaches DO have to be present with students during the testing.

Because you will be on webcam, please dress appropriately.

You should have received a time to MAP test Monday and Tuesday. If you're a late starter, you'll receive a scheduled time soon. All students are required to complete MAP testing.

Attending Class Connect sessions is important to your success as a virtual student; therefore, Class Connect sessions are required. Students should attend and be actively engaged in classes.. You should only miss a Class Connect session if there's a medical reason for doing so. Let us know if you're going to miss because we'll miss you!

Students should log in with their own credentials for Class Connect sessions and online school

You can log into a session up to 15 minutes before the session begins. If you try to log in sooner that 15 minutes prior to the start time, you won't be able to get in.

If you do have to miss a Class Connect session, you must make it up by watching the recording. Recordings will be listed on your schedule in the same place as the invitation to your live session. As a general rule, it takes about 2-3 hours for a recording to show up.

This week your schedule may look different because of MAP Testing. Teachers will use data from MAP testing to make a full, final Class Connect schedule beginning 8/26.

Please make sure you have completed your Online Learning Course. All students are required to complete this course by the Friday after their start date.

You're also required to attend an orientation. If you have not attended an orientation, you need to do so this week.

Logging In = Attending School

At ALDCA, logging into the OLS/OMS/OHS is equivalent to attending a class in a brick and mortar school. If your student doesn't log in, he/she can't access online lessons, materials, or Class Connect sessions. That's the same as not going to class in a brick and mortar setting. Make sure your student logs in every day. If your student is sick, please let his/her teachers know.

We received this notice from K12:

It’s another new year and we are excited that you are joining us. We are working hard on making changes to improve your experience with the Spotlight on Music course. Within the next week, all the changes will be complete. While we make the final finishing touches, you will not be able to access the course so please continue to work on your other course work. We can’t wait to share Spotlight on Music with you!

ALDCA will be joining ALVA (Alabama Virtual Academy) for outings on September 13th. Stay tuned for more information about times and locations.

Are you interested in being a part of our family directory? By choosing to complete this survey, you are agreeing to share your information with other ALDCA families. (Please only complete the survey if you want to participate.)

We realize you get a lot of emails. Our main mode of communication is email. Please make sure you schedule in times to read your emails every day. We recommend 3 times a day: morning, noon, and night (or before you log off for the day). It's important to read all of the emails thoroughly, so you aren't missing important information. We commit to not send more than necessary.

Email: lleger@alabamadca.org

Email: jstringer@alabamadca.org

Email: bhunter@alabamadca.org