Rebecca McAuliffe
Join the Celebration!

Virtual Schools Capitol Day is less than three weeks away! This annual event is a great opportunity to celebrate virtual public schools and show your support for your education choice. We hope you can join us in Salem on March 14

Join the Celebration!
Rebecca McAuliffe
It's time to register for Virtual Schools ...

Virtual Schools Capitol Day is just around the corner. We are thrilled to return to an in-person event in Salem. Register today to join us for the 2023 Virtual Schools Capitol Day on Tuesday, March 14 at 10:00am.

It's time to register for Virtual Schools Capitol Day!
Rebecca McAuliffe
2023 Legislative Session, National Schools ...

After last week’s swearing-in ceremonies for Governor Kotek and new legislators, lawmakers met this week to officially convene the 2023 Legislative Session. Several bills have been introduced to raise or remove the 3 percent enrollment cap to make virtual public schools available to more Oregon families. We will keep you informed on how you can advocate for these bills. 

2023 Legislative Session, National Schools Choice Week and More
Rebecca McAuliffe
I'm grateful for school choice

As we prepare for Thanksgiving later this week, it’s a good time to pause, reflect and show gratitude for the positive things in life. I’m grateful for many things, including the opportunity to send my children to the school of their choice, a full-time virtual public school.

I'm grateful for school choice
Rebecca McAuliffe
Celebrate With Us

Although we celebrated Teacher Appreciation Week earlier this month, we want to continue honoring our amazing virtual school teachers! Appreciation should not be reserved for just one week every spring but demonstrated throughout the year. As parents of virtual school students, we’re grateful for the hard work and commitment of our teachers. We applaud their passion for teaching and support of students across the state.

Celebrate With Us

Share YOUR thoughts on Virtual Public Schools

Your Voice Matters! Share Your Online School Story Today. 

Every student’s educational experience is unique, and we know that families choose online public schools for many different reasons. Whether your student thrives because of flexibility, personalized learning, safety, health needs, academic support, or opportunities not available in a brick-and-mortar public school setting, your experience matters. 

We invite you to take just 5 minutes to complete our family survey and share why online public school works for your student and family. 

Link to Survey: https://schoolofchoice.wufoo.com/forms/s6t09pz16yaejo/

Your feedback plays an important role in helping us educate Oregon policymakers and state leaders about the real experiences of families enrolled in full-time online public schools. By sharing your story, you help ensure lawmakers better understand the value, impact, and importance of virtual learning options for students across our state. 

Each year, we gather family perspectives to help inform conversations and decisions surrounding online public education in Oregon. The more families who participate, the stronger our collective voice becomes. 

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience and for being an important part of our online school community. 

Learn more

The Oregon Virtual Public Schools Alliance is coalition of parent volunteers whose primary objective is protecting access to a quality, virtual public education in our state. We seek to protect this right by educating Oregon policymakers about the benefits of virtual public charter schools and the positive contributions they make to our children's education.

National Teacher Appreciation Week

President’s Letter

Dear Oregon Virtual Public Schools Alliance families,  

Happy Spring! As we kick off the month of May, it's a celebration and a sprint to the end of the school year. Finish the year strong as you wrap up the final weeks of school before summer vacation.  

This week is National Teacher Appreciation Week, and the Oregon Virtual Public Schools Alliance is celebrating the hard-working teachers across our state. Teacher support is invaluable to families – we appreciate you! Take a moment to thank a teacher who is making a difference in your schooling. Send a quick note to recognize them. 

It’s state testing time. Check out the great state testing tips and tools from Cascade Virtual Academy teacher and OVPSA board member, Kayla Page.  

I also want to take a moment to highlight Annabella, a Silvies River Charter School student who is also a talented dancer. Read more about Annabella below.   

Finally, please take a few minutes to complete our parent survey. Your responses help us tell the story of online public education and why it’s an important option for Oregon families.

Thank you for the role you play in supporting your students and ensuring their success.  

Sincerely, 
Tricia F. Powell
President

Teacher Appreciation

Alyssa Davies | Teacher, Silvies River Charter School (left)

"I love teaching in a virtual school because it allows me to build meaningful connections with students and families while offering the flexibility to personalize learning and meet each student where they are. 

Nikki O’Brien | Teacher, Baker Web Academy (right)

“I love being able to work individually with students and families.”    

Heather Colbert | Teacher, Cascade Virtual Academy (middle)
 
"I love the connections I make with students and families. I love the opportunity to teach younger siblings of past first grade students, so I can build even deeper connections with families. I adore ALL my students and love watching them grow and succeed!"

State Testing Tips and Tools

From Cascade Virtual Academy teacher: Kayla Page!

As the school year wraps up, end-of-year testing is just around the corner. Feeling nervous before a test is completely normal; it simply means you care and want to do your best, and that is something to celebrate. 

Before you begin, try a quick mindfulness moment: place both feet on the floor, take a slow breath in for four counts, and breathe out for four counts. Do that a few times and notice how your body feels a little more settled. 

If a question feels tricky, try not to get frustrated. Stay calm, take your time, and focus on one question at a time. For online testing at home, a good night’s sleep, a healthy meal, and a quiet testing space can make a big difference. Trust yourself, you’ve been learning and growing all year, and this is your chance to show what you know. 

Student Spotlight – Annabella Bria

One of the many reasons the Bria family loves being a part of a virtual public school is because of the flexibility it offers! Annabella loves to perform and compete in multiple styles of dance. The schedule flexibility and the option to take school on the go, gives her the chance to travel all over the Pacific Northwest for dance competitions and conventions without missing a beat in her studies. Dance has opened doors for her to express herself, meet new incredible people and travel to dance in both Las Vegas and New York City. 

Parent Survey

We value your opinion and want to hear your family’s story. Please take 5 minutes to complete our survey and tell us why an online public school works for you.  
  
Your survey responses will help us inform the conversation surrounding online public schools in Oregon. We gather this information annually to inform and educate state policymakers about Oregon’s online schools and the families who utilize them.  

Learn more

The Oregon Virtual Public Schools Alliance is coalition of parent volunteers whose primary objective is protecting access to a quality, virtual public education in our state. We seek to protect this right by educating Oregon policymakers about the benefits of virtual public charter schools and the positive contributions they make to our children's education.

Meet an OVPSA Student & More!

President’s Letter

Dear OVPSA families, 

2026 has already been a busy and exciting year for the OVPSA. In this month’s newsletter, we’re highlighting a student who is thriving in his virtual public school, sharing a recap of the OVPSA board’s meetings with legislators in Salem, and featuring photos from our National School Choice Week event at OMSI. 

Student Spotlight

“My name is Lincoln Rosewood and I’m a senior at Destinations Career Academy of Oregon. In March, I’m heading to Chicago to receive the Rising Stars award from the National Art Honor Society! The award recognizes 50 outstanding student artists from all across the United States. I’m excited to visit a new state for this, and to make another step on the path towards an Arts & Communications career. After high school, I’m hoping to go to a community college in Oregon to learn about art and art education so I can share my passion with the world.” 

Lincoln Rosewood – ORDCA Student 

OVPSA at the Capitol

The OVPSA board traveled to Salem in February to meet with legislators and share the impact of virtual education across Oregon. While no legislation affecting virtual schools was introduced this year, board members discussed their firsthand experiences and encouraged lawmakers to revisit policies such as the 3% enrollment cap and the Student Investment Account grant program.

These policies currently limit student access to virtual schools and prevent virtual schools from applying for Student Investment Account funding. Although the 2026 legislative session adjourned on March 6, the OVPSA will continue working with legislators on these issues in preparation for the 2027 session. 

During the legislative day, Isaac Powell joined his mother, OVPSA President Tricia Powell, at the Capitol. Isaac was recognized on the Senate floor by his state senator, David Brock Smith. Congratulations, Isaac!

National School Choice Week Celebration

Thank you to all the families who joined us to celebrate virtual public schools during our National School Choice Week event at OMSI in January.  

Thank you for all you do to support virtual school families across Oregon. 

Sincerely, 

Tricia F. Powell

President

The Oregon Virtual Public Schools Alliance is coalition of parent volunteers whose primary objective is protecting access to a quality, virtual public education in our state. We seek to protect this right by educating Oregon policymakers about the benefits of virtual public charter schools and the positive contributions they make to our children's education.

Celebrate gratitude with the OVPSA

President’s Letter

Dear OVPSA Families, 

November is a time to reflect and express gratitude for family, friends and our virtual school community. During this gratitude month, I want to thank you for being an important part of the Oregon Virtual Public Schools Alliance. Thank you for supporting our coalition and our mission to advocate for virtual school students across Oregon. 

This month, we’ll highlight Wyatt, a middle schooler from Baker Web Academy, a fun children’s author event we hosted in Redmond and a save the date for our National School Choice Week event in January. 

Wishing you a wonderful holiday season. 

With gratitude, 

Tricia Powell, President, & the OVPSA Team

Student Spotlight – Wyatt's Waterfowl Company: A Young Entrepreneur

By 2023, Wyatt expanded into duck whistles, calls, and other waterfowl gear, with plans to grow beyond hunting products to serve the wider outdoor community. His entrepreneurial drive earned recognition when he won first place at both his local Pitch Night and the Finale competition this year.

Wyatt also gives back—a portion of each sale supports the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, honoring a friend living with the disease.

Wyatt’s story is one of creativity, hard work, and heart. As Wyatt’s Waterfowl Company continues to grow, his dedication ensures the brand will keep soaring to new heights

Author Reading with Barbara Wise 

This month, the OVPSA hosted an author reading with children’s author Barbara Wise. Barbara read her book, The King’s Blue Secret, a whimsical story about a King who is challenged to try something new. Students received a free copy of the book and had the opportunity to ask Barbara questions about her characters and illustrations. Barbara also previewed her next book in the King’s Secrets series, The Kings Silly Secret. 

Save the date!

Celebrate National School Choice Week with the OVPSA, Friday, January 30, at 10 am, at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry in Portland.

Registration link and more details coming soon! 

Thank you for all you do to support our schools!

Sincerely, 

Tricia F. Powell

President

The Oregon Virtual Public Schools Alliance is coalition of parent volunteers whose primary objective is protecting access to a quality, virtual public education in our state. We seek to protect this right by educating Oregon policymakers about the benefits of virtual public charter schools and the positive contributions they make to our children's education.

Kick Off Fall & Back-to-School with the OVPSA!

President’s Letter

OVPSA families,  

Welcome to the 2025-26 school year! I hope your family is enjoying the first few weeks of school.  

In this month’s newsletter you’ll find: 

  • Board Member Spotlight – Over the summer, our board welcomed a new member, CVA teacher and parent, Kayla Page.  

  • Board Member Interest Form – The OVPSA is always looking for more parent voices, please consider serving on our board of parent advocates.  

  • Connect On Social – Follow our social channels for OVPSA updates.  

We look forward to working together in the year ahead! 

Sincerely,  

Tricia Powell, President, & the OVPSA Team 

New Board Member Spotlight – Meet Kayla Page

As a virtual school teacher and parent, Kayla Page is passionate about creating supportive, engaging learning environments where students thrive. She teaches 3rd grade at Cascade Virtual Academy (CVA) and serves as CVA’s Community Engagement Specialist and PTO Chair, helping to build strong school-family connections. 

Kayla has two sons, a 2nd grader and a kindergartener, who attend CVA. This dual perspective allows her to connect deeply with families and support a vibrant, inclusive school community. 

She believes in nurturing curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning. Outside of school, Kayla enjoys time with her family, traveling, dragon boating, camping, and beachcombing. 

We’re thrilled to welcome Kayla to the OVPSA board!  

Board Member Interest Form

We are always looking for committed virtual school parents to join our board. The board plans OVPSA activities, discusses state policy issues and informs OVPSA parents how to advocate for their school choice. The time commitment for board members is 30-60 minutes a month. If you’re passionate about virtual public education and want to learn more about OVPSA board service, please complete the board member interest form. Once you complete the form, we will follow up to tell you more.  

Learn more

Connect with us!

Follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram for updates on OVPSA events and opportunities to advocate.  

Facebook: @Oregon Virtual Public Schools Alliance  
Instagram: @virtualpublicschools 
X: @ORVPSA 

Thank you for all you do to support our schools!

Sincerely, 

Tricia F. Powell

President

The Oregon Virtual Public Schools Alliance is coalition of parent volunteers whose primary objective is protecting access to a quality, virtual public education in our state. We seek to protect this right by educating Oregon policymakers about the benefits of virtual public charter schools and the positive contributions they make to our children's education.