May is always a fun time of year! The weather heats up, the beaches fill up, the fish start running, and all of us, not just the students, start dreaming of summer fun. Traditionally, this creates an interesting juxtaposition for educators. We definitely want to help our students celebrate the end of another arduous school year, especially our seniors and other milestone students who are moving on to another chapter in their academic careers. That said, we are also keenly aware that May is full of important deadlines, critical student testing, and the overall finality of the end of the school year. Balancing the desire to celebrate and have fun with the urgency to finish the academic year strong is always difficult. In the world of virtual education, I would imagine that the struggle is that much more acute given the inherent lack of structure offered by online learning. After all, is there really a true end of the school year in a virtual class? Can’t a student just work at their own pace and get it done whenever they want? 

While I present these as rhetorical questions, the answers exist, particularly for our full-time students. Full-time VOL students are subject to the same school year as their brick-and-mortar peers. Although we had some flexibility at the end of the first semester, we have been communicating throughout the spring that all full-time classes should be completed by May 24th (even though the last day of school is May 31st...). Seniors were to be finished last Friday, May 3rd. Please keep that in mind as you support your student throughout the next few weeks. Students that are behind in their courses are being contacted weekly by administrators and teachers in an effort to keep them on track and in many cases, accelerate their progress. Parents can also track student progress using their FLVS parent account or by communicating directly with their student’s teachers. 

Also imperative this month is student testing. Our incredible testing coordinator, Dr. Markell, has been communicating with families throughout the spring as she worked to schedule every student for the correct test on the correct date at the correct location. As students are scheduled to test during the month of May, Dr. Markell will be sending emails to remind you of the test, date/time, and location. Please check your email for messages from her in case anything has changed. Only those who have testing will receive these emails, so if you’re getting them, your student still needs to test in some way. Remember that all testing takes place at the location you chose earlier this year—VOL headquarters in Deltona or at your zoned school and according to a specific schedule (there are no walk-in testing appointments). All of your child’s testing information will be in Dr. Markell’s emails, but if you have any other questions, please reach out to her or an administrator and we will assist. 

Speaking of celebrating the joys of May, I would be remiss to not remind you one more time about Teacher Appreciation Week, May 6th - 10th. In case you didn’t know, we are blessed with an incredibly talented and dedicated group of teachers at VOL. Please take some time to honor them this week; you’d be amazed how even the smallest token can provide fuel for us in this last, crazy month of the school year. Last week we were able to treat this amazing group of educators to lunch at Longhorn’s in Orange City thanks to our business partners at Longhorn’s and ABMM Financial (pictured above). It is always a special feeling when we get to come together as a group and just fellowship as a faculty; it is especially rewarding when we are able to enjoy great food and honor our incredible teachers. Thank you Longhorn’s and ABMM!

That’s all I have for this week. Please be sure to help your student finish the year strong—have fun when you can but finish those classes! Scroll down below for testing information and highlights about our outstanding families and staff.

Thank you for reading.

Dr. Serianni

In an effort to improve system practices, Volusia Online Learning is conducting a FAMILY survey. We value your opinion and ask that you take the time to complete this survey. The web survey will be available until May 10th.

• To complete the survey, please click the link or scan the QR code below:

• Family Engagement English

Family Engagement Spanish

• If the link does not work by clicking on it, please copy and paste it into your browser, or scan the QR code.

• Please be assured that your responses to this survey will be anonymous. Your honest opinion is appreciated.

• If you need technical assistance to complete this survey or if you have any questions about this survey, please contact Amy Ervin at aservin@volusia.k12.fl.us or (386) 690-4346.

Did you check out a Volusia County School laptop or hotspot for your child this school year? If so, you are responsible for returning it at the end of the school year.

Seniors can return their VCS issued laptops between 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM daily at our VOL building located at 250 Enterprise Road beginning on May 21st. Additionally, staff will be present at our Graduation Rehearsal on May 22nd at the Ocean Center for students to return their devices.

Our primary students can return their devices on May 31st during their End of Year Celebration at our VOL building.

Families may return their devices and chargers the week of June 3rd at one of two locations:

If you are unable to return your VCS issued device during these times, please contact Laura King at 386-506-0014, extension 43324 to schedule a time to return your device.

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

Caps and gowns were distributed last week at VOL headquarters. If you ordered a cap and gown and were not able to pick yours up, please contact our office so we can arrange a time to meet. If you have not yet placed and order, you can go to 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.

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

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

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

VOL is excited to announce that we are now accepting applications for FULL-TIME ENROLLMENT for the 2024-2025 school year. Most existing VOL students have been automatically accepted into VOL for next year. However, if your child’s VOL status is still pending for next school year, you can apply at www.volusiaonlinelearning.com.

We are always looking for NEW Interested families, so if you know anyone who is looking for an innovative, flexible, and effective educational solution like VOL, please share this link:

Please contact Volusia Online Learning at (386)-506-0014 with any questions.

Stenhouse Roofing & Construction

for their generous donation for the Graduation Class of 2024! VOL appreciates you!

Stenhouse Roofing and Construction based out of Deland, FL. Proudly serves Volusia County and its surrounding areas since 2012. Our expertise spans from both residential and commercial roofing and construction. The exceptional craftsmanship in projects ranging from new construction to remodels.

We operate on a word of mouth and referrals. We have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. We have been approved and certified with the state of Florida as a minority owned A+ business. License # CCC 1331441 and CBC1264367

Phone number - (321) 356-9698

Website – Stenhouseroofing.com

Email: Stenstromconstruction@gmail.com

It’s finally May and in-person state testing is in full-swing! Personalized testing emails were sent to students and parents in early March with the students’ exact tests listed and site-specific details. Letters about the tests were also emailed in April and reminder emails were sent out last week. Students were registered to test either at their zoned school or at our VOL building in Deltona. Please reach out to Dr. Markell if you have any questions. Writing test scores will not be available until the summer, but all other computer-based state test scores should be available on the parent portal within 24-48 hours after test completion.

For students who chose to test at VOL:

May 7: Statewide Science Grades 5 and 8 (Additional accommodated small groups on May 8th)

May 7: Biology End-of-Course Exam (Additional accommodated small groups on May 8th)

May 9: Civics End-of-Course Exam (EOC)

May 9: US History End-of-Course Exam (EOC)

May 14: PM3 FAST Reading Grades 3-7 and Grade 9 (Accommodated small groups on May 16th)

May 15: PM3 Math Grades 3-7

May 16: PM3 ELA Grades 8 and 10

May 17: PM3 Math Grade 8 (Accommodated small group on May 20)

May 17: Algebra 1 End-of-Course Exam (EOC)

May 17: Geometry End-of-Course Exam (EOC) (Accommodated small group on May 20)

May 20: 8th Grade PM3 FAST Math/Geometry Accommodated Small Groups

* Makeups occurring on various days through May 31st as needed.

May 7th: Statewide Science (Grades 5 and 8)

May 7th: Biology End-of-Course Exam (EOC)

May 9th: Civics End-of-Course Exam (EOC)

May 9th: US History End-of-Course Exam (EOC)

May 14: PM3 ELA Grades 3-9

May 15: PM3 ELA Grade 10

May 16: PM3 Math Grades 3-8

May 16: Algebra 1 and Geometry End-of-Course Exams (EOC)

May 21: Algebra 1 Retakes (Grades 9-11)

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 bgmarkel@volusia.k12.fl.us

Zoe Pandy is a Volusia Online Learning 4th grade student. Her nominating teacher, Mrs. Morgan, says “Zoey submits the most entertaining video assignments in our Spanish course; she is a star performer. She contributes to each of our live lessons and works hard to learn the vocabulary.”

Bailee Bronson is a Volusia Online Learning 11th grade student. Her nominating teacher, Mr. Clark, says “Shout outs to Bailee for a great turn around in academic focus in her chemistry class. She fell behind during the fall semester but dug in and completed her work over the break and has stayed on pace in the spring semester with great grades since then.”

Dad and Mom, Eric, and Kira Blum along with their sons Levi Blum (7th grade) and Cylus Blum (4th grade) are a hockey and beach loving family who live in Ormond but spend most of their time traveling around the country and beyond. Levi and Cylus started playing hockey when they were 5 and 3 years old and have escalated to elite players for their ages. They both play for teams based in Tampa and play in many tournaments with teams from across the US and Canada. This year the Blum Family moved into their RV in Tampa to eliminate the 3.5-hour drive to practice 4 days per week. When the Blum boys are not playing hockey, you will find them at the beach or the lake surfing, skim boarding or wakeboarding.

The Blum’s started with VOL in 2020 when COVID hit and never looked back. The freedom for their sons to learn on their own schedule allows them to enjoy their sport and all the travel that it requires.

Mom, Kira is the learning coach for the Blum family. She has prior teaching experience teaching high school math at Seabreeze High School and started her own business teaching infant swimming lessons in the community.

Mom is always available to answers questions for Levi and Cylus and explain difficult concepts throughout the day. She teaches them each math lesson to make sure they are getting a strong foundation to build on.

Due to hockey practice, the Levi and Cylus usually do not get to bed until around 10:00pm. With the flexibility of VOL, they can sleep in until it is time for their first live lesson of the day. After live lessons are completed, they begin working on their lessons and assignments. Whenever they need a break, they go outside to ride their bikes or shoot basketball in the driveway for a few minutes to refocus. By 3:00, we are out the door for practice.

Mrs. Blum believes that planning and organization are the key to the Bum’s success in VOL. Each week, they write down the lessons required for that week to stay on pace for each class. Levi and Cylus each have their own whiteboards for this and are motivated to get everything erased by the end of the week. Many weeks, we will be travelling on Thursday or Friday, so they will try to work ahead to stay on pace. Open communication with their teachers is also important for their success.

VOL has allowed the Blum’s to travel anytime we need or want to. The Blum boys can participate in travel sports without the fear of missing too many school days or having to make up a ton of missed assignments or exams. They can sleep in after long practice nights and not struggle through a sleep deprived day.

As mom and learning coach, Mrs. Blum loves being so involved with her son’s education. She knows exactly what they are learning every day. Before they started with VOL, she would ask them what they learned each day and always get the typical "nothing" response. Now when Dad, Eric comes home from work and asks what they are learning, they cannot get away with that response anymore! Mom also loves the small class sizes and how much they can participate in their live lessons.

The Blum’s main tip for success is to keep your student on pace. The work is very manageable if they keep up with it and it helps to be learning the same material the teachers are teaching in lessons.

Bachelors in Elementary Ed from UCF

Masters in Reading Education K-12 from NOVA Southeastern University

Mrs. Edwards is in her 20th year of teaching and started with VOL in 2020. Mrs. Edwards has three children. She spends a lot of time running her children around to various sports and activities. Mrs. Edwards is VOL’s Wellness Coordinator. She is an active runner and loves to participate in 5Ks, 10Ks, and half marathons. She has even participated in a run at the Magic Kingdom. She also enjoys camping at state parks, reading, the beach, sewing and creating her own artwork. A fun fact about Mrs. Edwards is she used to be a dance teacher and she taught tap and ballet.

We the people of America have entrusted into your hands the future leaders of this nation, the most powerful nation on Earth - and the way in which you fulfill this trust, in the guidance and direction you give to America's youth, will have a more profound effect on our national future than perhaps any decision made in Congress.

The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.

Be ashamed to die until you have won some victory for humanity.

Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.

Because of Ms. Duncan (her 4th grade teacher), I felt I could take on the world. She did exactly what teachers are supposed to do, they create a spark for learning that lives with you from then on. It's why I have a talk show today.

Let us remember: One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world.

If you can read this, thank a teacher.

Less than a high school diploma: 6.0%

High school grads, no college: 4.0%

Overall: 3.9%

Bachelor's degree & higher: 2.2%

Source: Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, FRED data base; US Bureau of Labor Statistics (released Friday, May 3, 2024) Read full report

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 aaserian@volusia.k12.fl.us with any questions related to the program.

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