Student Engagement
The Importance of Student Engagement in a Virtual School Environment
At St. Helens Virtual Academy (SHVA), we believe that meaningful student engagement is essential for success in an online learning environment. Virtual learning offers flexibility and independence, but staying connected—with teachers, peers, and school resources—is what truly allows students to thrive.
One of our primary goals at SHVA is to foster strong connections between students and staff, while also creating opportunities for students to build relationships with each other. A key part of achieving this is our Homeroom class, which all students are expected to attend daily.
What is Homeroom at SHVA?
Homeroom serves as the central hub of student engagement and connection at SHVA. It is more than just a daily check-in—it is a space where students:
-
Connect with teachers and peers
-
Receive grade-level updates and announcements
-
Participate in Social Emotional Learning (SEL)
-
Learn and practice study and organizational skills
-
Get academic and social support when needed
Through Homeroom, students are given the tools and time to develop skills that support not only their academic progress, but also their personal growth and well-being.
Why Does Engagement Matter?
In a virtual setting, it’s easy for students to feel isolated or disconnected. Regular participation in Homeroom helps combat this by creating a consistent structure and a sense of community. It keeps students informed, supported, and motivated throughout their educational journey at SHVA.
By prioritizing engagement and encouraging daily participation in Homeroom, we aim to help students feel seen, heard, and supported—every day.
St. Helens Virtual Academy Student Academic Expectations
Student Name: ________________________
Grade Level: __________
Date: _______________
St. Helens Virtual Academy (SHVA) provides a flexible, online learning environment for students who are committed to self-directed learning and maintaining academic progress. To ensure success in this program, students must meet specific expectations regarding engagement and coursework completion.
By signing this contract, the student and parent/guardian agree to the following terms:
- Academic Engagement
- The student will log in to Apex and/or Canvas daily and engage in coursework daily.
- The student will complete and submit assignments on time.
- The student will communicate with teachers and attend scheduled check-ins or meetings as required.
- The student will participate in homeroom activities and check-ins.
- Attendance and Participation
- The student will attend Homeroom daily
- The student will maintain regular communication with SHVA staff and respond to outreach from teachers and administrators.
- The student will regularly attend Special Education sessions if applicable.
- Consequences for Non-Engagement
- If a student fails to attend their Homeroom class and/or engage in their classes, they will receive a warning and an opportunity to improve.
- If the student continues to show a lack of attendance/engagement, they will be required to meet with SHVA staff to discuss a plan for improvement.
- If the student’s attendance/engagement does not improve and they hit the 10-day drop list a second time, they will be required to return to in-person learning.
By signing below, the student and parent/guardian acknowledge their understanding of and agreement to these terms.
Student Signature: ________________________
Date: _______________
Parent/Guardian Signature: ________________________
Date: _______________
SHVA Administrator Signature: ________________________
Date: _______________