New Family Orientation

Pennsylvania Virtual Charter School is a very different model of schooling. Just like anything new, it will take some time before you feel comfortable with how things work. A few hours invested in viewing the contents of this page, will give you a great start towards mastering the virtual school environment.

The documents and videos on this page have been arranged with new families in mind. A good place to start is the PAVCS website for an overview of Pennsylvania Virtual Charter School, then move on to the handbook and work your way through the list at your own pace.

Watch our new New Family Orientation DVD. The link will open in a new window.

PAVCS Website
PAVCS Handbook
Blackboard
- What is Blackboard?
  - Logging in to Blackboard is like going to school. Inside Blackboard you'll find your courses, school announcements, extra-curricular organizations, links to other websites, and lots of other tools and information. Blackboard is your PAVCS home base.
- Take a Tour of Blackboard - These video tutorials will give walk you through the basics of navigating Blackboard.
Online School
- What is the online school?
  - The online school (often referred to as the OLS), is like the books of our school. PA Virtual Charter School has contracted with K¹² Inc. to provide you with the online curriculum contained inside the OLS.
- Overview of the OLS
- Planning and Progress Tools
- About OLS lessons
Elluminate
- What is Elluminate?
  - Elluminate is an online classroom where everyone can "meet" for lessons, discussions, information sessions, etc.
- Learn More About Elluminate
- How do I get to my Elluminate class?
- Where can I get additional Elluminate help?
Your Teacher
- Depending if you are in elementary, middle, or high school, you may have one or several teachers.
  - Grades K-6
    - Have one main teacher. They will be contacting you soon.
    - Your teacher will assist you with all academic issues. (Academic expectations, instruction, etc.)
    - You can view your teacher and courses in Blackboard.
    - Each teacher/course may have different procedures and expectations.
    - Take some time to familiarize yourself with your Blackboard course(s).
  - Grades 7 and up
    - Have a homeroom teacher as well as teachers for each subject area. Your homeroom teacher will be contacting you soon.
    - You can view your teacher and courses in Blackboard.
Your Family Support Coordinator (FSC) - Grades K-12
- Your FSC will be contacting you soon.
- Your FSC should be your first point of contact for all non-academic issues. (Technical issues, missing materials, etc.)
Your Homeroom Teacher (HRT) - High School
- Your Homeroom Teacher will be contacting you soon.
Organizations
- Inside Blackboard there are a number of available organizations (health, counseling, novel discussions, PAVCS parents, etc.).
- Take some time to check out various organizations available to you.
Technical Issues
- Your FSC is your first point of contact.
- PAVCS technical issues FAQ