ACT NOW TO PROTECT PARENT CHOICE IN ONLINE SCHOOLS

Oregon has a long history of allowing parents to seek the education environment that works best for our kids. Particularly in a time of COVID-19 and uncertainty around classroom learning this fall, parents need access to alternatives we think will keep our kids on track. 

Unfortunately, decisions will be made by Salem legislators in the next week that may deny parents online learning options. This is not the time to be telling parents we can’t choose the online learning environment we think will best suit our kids.

In 2011, the Oregon State Legislature placed a cap of 3% on the number of kids in a school district that can transfer to full-time online schools. Nearly 10 years later, that number hasn’t been adjusted to account for growth. With COVID-19 closing traditional classrooms around the state, more and more parents are seeking better online learning options and school districts are hitting that 3% cap. What happens when that 3% cap gets hit? Parents in that district are out of luck. We’re simply stuck with only one option: enrolling in a traditional brick-and-mortar school.

A bill will be debated next week to temporarily lift the 3% cap and allow more parents to seek online alternatives. That’s a good thing. But, in July 2021 they’re proposing to take the cap back down to where it was, which would simply throw families out of the online school they want to stay in. The right solution is lifting the cap permanently so that parents have access to online schools now and, if it’s working for them, in the future.

Some education special interests are trying to keep the 3% cap because they want to protect the status quo. This is wrong. Parents need to let them know we should decide what’s best for our kids, not bureaucrats.

Please consider sending an email, Facebook post, or Twitter message to your legislator now! We only have a few days to influence this decision so please act now.

To send your message click here.

Thank you for standing up for parents around Oregon who are struggling to keep our kids’ education on track during this challenging time.

Sincerely,

Tricia Powell
President
Oregon Virtual Public Schools Alliance

Oregon Virtual Public Schools Alliance Statement on Social Injustice

Dear Oregon Virtual Public Schools Alliance Family –

Our country is heartbroken and suffering following the death of George Floyd and I'm praying for national healing. Even though my kids aren't reading or watching the news as much as I, they are asking questions, leading to great conversations about equality and racial injustice. My middle school daughter just finished studying the 1960's civil rights movement. She asked why America is still struggling with racial issues today. As our children’s first teachers, it is important to have a conversation about race and lead by example. The Oregon Virtual Public Schools Alliance stands with families and recognizes the unique difficulties experienced by community members who are people of color.

Sincerely,

Tricia F. Powell
President

Thinking of You During Uncertain Times

Dear Virtual Public School Family –

I hope you are staying safe and healthy. When the first coronavirus case was announced in Oregon, I had no idea the impact it would have on our everyday lives. I understand that whatever part of the state you call home, you are living in communities impacted by this health crisis.

Oregon families are adjusting to a new normal – spending all day at home learning, working, eating and playing. For many students and their parents, the sudden transition to mandatory distance learning was a shock. I truly feel for school districts and teachers who are making heroic efforts to transition kids from in-person to remote learning and for parents who are adapting to the role of learning coach.

I hope you will reach out to your friends and family who are new to distance learning to offer guidance and support and to share your experience as a virtual public school parent. They will appreciate your care, concern and reassurance.

I also suggest you visit the Oregon Department of Education website. There you will find important updates and information about what’s happening with education in our state. We are also sharing information and resources on Facebook and Twitter. If you have any questions or need help, please email me, info@oregonvirtualschools.org.

Finally, last week was Teacher Appreciation Week. Our students are lucky to have such wonderful virtual public school teachers. If your student didn’t have a chance to recognize their teachers, please encourage them to take a few minutes to thank their teachers for their hard work.

Thank you for all you do.

Be well.

Sincerely,

Tricia F. Powell
President

Reminder: Virtual Schools Capitol Day - February 4

Dear Virtual Public School Family,
 
Virtual Schools Capitol Day 2020 is just one week away! Join us in Salem on February 4th for this fun and educational event! 

REGISTER TODAY

HERE'S THE AGENDA FOR THE DAY:
 
10:00am – Registration at the Mission Mill Museum
1313 Mill St., SE, Salem (2 blocks from State Capitol Building – free on-site parking available)
10:30am – 11:45am – Welcome, fun programs for students and parents
11:45am – Lunch
12:30pm – Legislator Awards Presentation on the Capitol Steps
1:00pm – Legislator Visits in the Capitol Building
 
If you can't join us for Capitol Day, we will let you know other ways you can show your support for virtual public education.  EMAIL US TO LEARN MORE
Thank you for all you do to support our schools. I look forward to advocating with you you in 2020!
 
Sincerely,

Tricia Powell
President