Blog
Explore VTVLC’s blog. From student-authored reflections on virtual learning, to teacher profiles and important updates.
Get to know VTVLC K-8 Principal, Jennifer Hindes
VTVLC K-8 Principal Jennifer Hindes comes from a long line of educators. Her father was a high school social studies teacher and middle school principal, and both her grandmother and great-grandmother were teachers in one-room schoolhouses. “I knew I wanted to be a teacher when I was a little girl,” Hindes said.
Get to Know VTVLC Principal of 9-12, Jessica Leo
As VTVLC’s 9-12 Principal, Jessica Leo coordinates VTVLC’s full-time high school program.
“I have the pleasure of working with students, families, VTVLC Student Support, and Vermont schools to support the success of our students,” Leo said.
Technology & Virtual School
Technology in today’s world is used in many ways, both negatively and positively. One of the positive ways is the availability of virtual learning. Without technology, online learning would be impossible.
A Day in the Life of a Virtual School Student: What to Expect
A normal day for me as a virtual student is both simple and routine. I take on-demand classes, which means my learning is not tethered to a traditional fall/spring academic calendar, and I can work at my own pace. Each day, after I get ready for the day and eat breakfast, I switch my attention to all the work I have to do. I usually work for five hours at a time, take a break for about an hour, and then complete any personal work I need to complete. I then run some errands, eat dinner, and unwind from the day.
Finding Support and Resources in a Virtual School Community
Making sure you are supported by a reliable group of people is so important, especially when you are going to school virtually. In a virtual setting, when you need help, you can’t simply find your teacher in a school building or classroom. Additionally, in some rolling admission classes, it may not be possible to interact with peers that could assist you, either. If you need help from a teacher, the onus is on you to reach out and schedule an appointment to get the help you need. It is also important to have family or friends that can be there for extra support when you need it.
Time Management and Organization in Online Courses
Time management and organization, especially when it comes to independent classes such as the ones offered through VTVLC, can be incredibly tricky. Yet, these skills are crucial to success not only at VTVLC and in school, but in all aspects of life. As a result, I have developed a number of strategies that have helped me to succeed and motivate myself independently.
Tips for Maintaining Mental Health While Going to School Online
Maintaining a good head space while completing school online is essential. If you are not in a good head space while schooling online, it is very likely you will fall behind, and it is easy to do so. Some ways of maintaining or improving your headspace while being online are staying social, exercising, taking on new hobbies, and listening to music.
Differences Between Brick-and-Mortar and Online Learning
There are many differences between VTVLC and in-person learning, especially when it comes to the hands-on work being completed by students. These can make shifting from online to in-person, or vice versa, a tricky adjustment. Some of these key differences consist of time, class structure, and teaching style.
Why I Chose VTVLC
I have always been an exceptional student, earning straight-A’s and taking advantage of honors and Advanced Placement options wherever possible. At the beginning of my sophomore year, though, my grades started to slip. I was taking four Advanced Placement classes and two honors classes, but it became difficult to attend all of my classes each day due to medical issues. I knew I could not continue at a brick-and-mortar school and achieve the success I knew I was capable of.
Student Spotlight: Gabriel Cianciolo
During 11th grade, Gabriel Ciancolo decided that he wanted to learn full-time with VTVLC. Ciancolo lived in Ukraine on and off from 2021 until the war broke out. Now, his parents have opened a home for Ukrainian refugees called Agape House of Mercy, and Ciancolo is a 12-grader taking Astronomy, Precalculus, African American History, Renewable Technologies, Digital Photography, and Journalism with VTVLC.