FLVS Flex Student and Parent Handbook 2023-24
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Florida Virtual School
Flex Student and Parent Handbook
2023-24 School Year
Revised July 2023
Table of Contents
FLVS Flex Student and Parent Handbook 2023-24
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Contents
Introduction .................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Mission, Vision, Commitment, and Values .................................................................................................................. 6
Student Profile for Success ......................................................................................................................................... 6
FLVS Flex Contact Information.................................................................................................................................... 7
Email ............................................................................................................................................................................ 7
Social Media ................................................................................................................................................................ 7
Help Desk Info ................................................................................................................................................................ 7
District Organization ..................................................................................................................................................... 8
Attending an FLVS School – State Requirements ..................................................................................................... 8
Student Progress through Mastery Learning ............................................................................................................. 8
Right to Access FLVS Courses .................................................................................................................................... 8
Florida Virtual School as a School Choice Option ....................................................................................................... 8
Application and Acceptance into FLVS Programs ....................................................................................................... 8
Placement Priority ......................................................................................................................................................... 8
FLVS Flex K-12 ............................................................................................................................................................... 8
FLVS Terminology ....................................................................................................................................................... 9
FLVS Flex K-12 Exceptional Student Education (ESE) ............................................................................................ 10
Students Who are Hospital/Homebound through Their Home District .................................................................. 10
FLVS Flex English Language Learner (ELL) ............................................................................................................. 10
Stakeholder Roles and Responsibilities ................................................................................................................... 11
Parent or Legal Guardian – FLVS Flex K-12 ............................................................................................................. 11
Student – Flex K-12 ................................................................................................................................................... 11
Recommended Elementary Instructional Hours ........................................................................................................ 11
School Principal/Instructional Leader (IL) .................................................................................................................. 11
Flex School Counselor ............................................................................................................................................... 12
Student Services Team ............................................................................................................................................. 12
Teacher ...................................................................................................................................................................... 12
FLVS Student / Parent Media Release Form ............................................................................................................. 12
Teacher Qualification Information ............................................................................................................................. 12
Letters of Recommendation ....................................................................................................................................... 13
Student Support Teams .............................................................................................................................................. 13
Student Organizations ................................................................................................................................................ 13
Field Trips / Meet-Ups ................................................................................................................................................. 13
School Holidays ........................................................................................................................................................... 13
NCAA ............................................................................................................................................................................ 14
Accreditation ................................................................................................................................................................ 14
Parent/Guardian Account ........................................................................................................................................... 14
How to create your Parent/Guardian Account ........................................................................................................... 14
Getting Ready for Florida Virtual School: Quick Tips ............................................................................................. 14
Get to Know the FLVS Policies.................................................................................................................................. 14
Obtain Course Supplies ............................................................................................................................................. 14
Transfer Grades and Coursework ............................................................................................................................. 15
Grade Forgiveness Policies ....................................................................................................................................... 15
Dedicate a Space for School Materials and Supplies ............................................................................................... 15
Meet Your Teacher and Explore Your Virtual School ................................................................................................ 15
Course Information at FLVS ....................................................................................................................................... 15
Curriculum and Instruction ......................................................................................................................................... 15
Course Information .................................................................................................................................................... 15
FLVS Flex Student and Parent Handbook 2023-24
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Science Courses ........................................................................................................................................................ 16
Advanced Placement
®
(AP
®
) Courses ....................................................................................................................... 16
Advanced Placement Age Expectations .................................................................................................................... 16
Advanced Placement Capstone Diploma .................................................................................................................. 16
Honors Courses – High School ................................................................................................................................. 16
Advanced Courses – Middle School .......................................................................................................................... 16
Physical Education Expectation ................................................................................................................................ 17
Expected Physical Education Program Outcomes .................................................................................................... 18
Benefits of Physical Education .................................................................................................................................. 18
How to Choose the Right Physical Education Program for You ................................................................................ 18
FLVS Flex Elementary Program ................................................................................................................................ 18
Flex Elementary Acceleration................................................................................................................ 18
Flex Elementary Enrichment ................................................................................................................. 18
Flex Elementary Remediation ............................................................................................................... 19
Flex Elementary Kindergarten Admission ............................................................................................. 19
Flex Elementary First Grade Admission ................................................................................................ 19
Flex Elementary Withdrawal of Non-Working Students ......................................................................... 19
Flex Elementary Attendance and Absences .......................................................................................... 19
Flex Elementary Course Completion ..................................................................................................... 19
Flex Elementary Maximum Course Load .............................................................................................. 19
Flex Elementary State Testing .............................................................................................................. 19
Flex Elementary Handwriting Standards and Expectations ................................................................... 19
Flex Elementary Communication - Monthly Progress Contact Requirement .......................................... 20
Flex Elementary: Kindergarten - Grade 5 Writing Assignments ............................................................. 20
Minimum Length of Courses ...................................................................................................................................... 20
Grading ......................................................................................................................................................................... 20
Mandatory Final Exam Policy – FLVS Students Grades 6-12 ................................................................................. 20
Course Progress .......................................................................................................................................................... 21
Academic Integrity....................................................................................................................................................... 21
Assessments ................................................................................................................................................................ 21
Assessments within the Curriculum ........................................................................................................................... 21
Formal Evaluations Evaluated by FLVS Instructors .................................................................................................. 21
End-of-Course Assessments ..................................................................................................................................... 22
Statewide Comprehensive Assessment Program ..................................................................................................... 22
Transcript Request ...................................................................................................................................................... 23
Unofficial FLVS Transcript ......................................................................................................................................... 23
Official Cumulative FLVS Transcript .......................................................................................................................... 23
Final Grade Report .................................................................................................................................................... 23
Study Tools at FLVS .................................................................................................................................................... 23
Computer Requirements, Specifications .................................................................................................................. 23
Technology ................................................................................................................................................................ 23
Hardware Requirements ............................................................................................................................................ 23
Communication Requirements .................................................................................................................................. 24
Emergency Plans ......................................................................................................................................................... 24
Enrollment .................................................................................................................................................................... 25
Enrollment of Students Expelled from Another School Pre-Expulsion ................................................................. 25
FLVS Expulsion ........................................................................................................................................................... 25
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Homeschool Verification Form .................................................................................................................................. 25
Eligibility, Residency, and Age .................................................................................................................................. 26
Initial Entry Requirements .......................................................................................................................................... 26
Geographic Limitations .............................................................................................................................................. 26
Required Documents ................................................................................................................................................. 26
Other Documentation ............................................................................................................................ 26
Educational Opportunity for Military Children ......................................................................................................... 26
Proof of Residency (POR) - Florida Students ........................................................................................................... 26
Age Limitations ............................................................................................................................................................ 28
Non-Discrimination Statement ................................................................................................................................... 28
Zero Tolerance for School-Related Violent Crime ................................................................................................... 28
Student Emotional and Physical Safety .................................................................................................................... 28
Required Training for School Staff ............................................................................................................................. 28
Child Abuse Reporting Policy .................................................................................................................................... 28
FortifyFL ..................................................................................................................................................................... 29
Student Suicide Prevention, Awareness, and Screening ........................................................................................ 29
Student Assistance Programs ................................................................................................................................... 29
Parental-Married Status of Students ......................................................................................................................... 30
Parent Rights ............................................................................................................................................................... 30
FLVS Privacy ................................................................................................................................................................ 31
FERPA – Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act ............................................................................................... 31
Statistical Information ................................................................................................................................................ 31
Security Information ................................................................................................................................................... 31
Cookies ...................................................................................................................................................................... 31
Student Records .......................................................................................................................................................... 32
Improper Use of School Records .............................................................................................................................. 32
Legal Name of Student .............................................................................................................................................. 32
The Permanent Cumulative Pupil Record ................................................................................................................. 32
Person Standing in Loco Parentis to Student ............................................................................................................ 32
Access to Student Records ....................................................................................................................................... 32
Right to Contest the Contents of Student Records ................................................................................................... 32
Release of Student Discipline Records ..................................................................................................................... 32
FLVS Code of Conduct................................................................................................................................................ 33
FLVS Student Conduct of Conduct Philosophy and Overview .................................................................................. 33
FLVS and Investigations Involving Students ........................................................................................................... 33
Student Standards for Participation in Interscholastic and Intrascholastic Extracurricular Student Activities
(Craig Dickinson Act) .................................................................................................................................................. 33
Home Education Student Eligibility ............................................................................................................................ 33
Student Athlete Eligibility ........................................................................................................................................... 34
Appendix A: Refund Request Form ....................................................................................................... 35
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Welcome to Florida Virtual School
Students, Parents, and Guardians,
We are so happy you have chosen to attend Florida Virtual School (FLVS). FLVS prides itself on transforming
education worldwide—one student at a time. As you will discover, FLVS puts the student at the center of every
decision we make. We hope that you feel and experience our student focus through every click of the mouse and
every interaction with our instructors and staff during your time with FLVS. Whether you are taking just one course
or several, we want you to have a phenomenal experience at FLVS.
This handbook has been created to provide students and their families with the tools and information they need to
be successful at FLVS. Please peruse the information prior to starting your course, and feel free to come back
and refer to the information at any time. We want this to be a one-stop resource for all your FLVS questions and
needs.
Again, we want to personally welcome you to the FLVS family. We look forward to serving your educational
needs!
Sincerely,
FLVS Leadership Team
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Introduction
Since 1997, FLVS has served students around the state, the country, and the world. FLVS has grown to be one of
the largest public Kindergarten through 12
th
grade online providers in the country. Without the support of students
and parents like you, reaching this milestone would not have been possible, and for that we thank you!
As online education evolves, FLVS continues to lead the way with creativity and innovation. These innovations
and our successes throughout the years have not gone unnoticed. FLVS has been honored with numerous state,
national, and international awards. These honors truly validate how FLVS lives its mission and vision every single
day.
Mission, Vision, Commitment, and Values
Our Vision
To lead online education worldwide with transformative digital solutions – personalized to every student.
Our Mission
To deliver high-quality digital learning on a robust online platform to achieve content mastery for student success.
Our Commitment
The student is at the center of every decision we make.
Our Values
• Excellence - Deliver the best. Always.
• Innovation - Lead transformative learning.
• Community - Build meaningful connections.
• Balance - Embrace flexibility.
• Communication - Listen, share, and collaborate openly.
Student Profile for Success
FLVS recognizes that the following commitments/skills facilitate student success in the online educational
environment:
• Communication – Students are required to communicate with their instructors for a variety of reasons.
Students will be required to talk to their teachers via telephone and/or online classroom. Students should
respond to their teachers in a timely fashion.
• Live Lessons –Students should make efforts to attend and participate in their course Live Lessons.
Attendance and participation in Live Lessons lead to student success in courses.
• Academic Integrity – FLVS requires the original work of all students and in so doing, prohibits plagiarism
of the work of others and cheating. Students shall be expected to properly cite the origin of work that is
not the student’s own. If work content, other than commonly known facts, is not properly cited, attributed,
or credited, the work may be determined to be plagiarized.
• Self-Motivation – Students should exhibit self-motivation as they must direct their own learning
environment and procedures to fulfill course requirements enabling them to achieve individual academic
success.
• Independent Learning Style – Students should be able to work independently and be able to contact
their instructor for support as needed.
• Computer Literacy – Students should possess basic computer skills such as utilizing email,
maneuvering through the Internet, as well as basic keyboarding skills.
• Time Management Skills – Students must be capable of organizing and planning their time frame for
learning. Students can access their coursework whenever it is best for them, but they must set aside an
adequate and realistic amount of time to complete course requirements.
• Pace – Students should follow the pacing guides for course modules as well as individual
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assignments. These guides can be personalized by the student’s teacher to assist the student to
manage time realistically and effectively to complete coursework. Students are expected to work in
their courses regularly each week.
• Effective Written Communication Skills – Students must be able to use email, discussion boards, and
essay type questions to communicate with their instructors and peers. The ability to write clearly and
communicate ideas and assignments is essential. Students in earlier elementary grades may need
additional parent or learning coach support when writing/typing in their courses.
• Reading Competency – Students must read at or near grade level to be successful in understanding the
material presented as all coursework is delivered online in written format. Students in earlier elementary
grades may need additional parent or learning coach support when reading through the coursework.
• Personal Commitment – Students must have a personal desire to learn and achieve knowledge and
skills via online courses because this learning environment is unique as students are not bound to the
structure of a traditional school setting.
Successful online students are those who decide for themselves that online learning is a choice they have made.
FLVS Flex Contact Information
Toll Free: 800-374-1430
Phone: 407-513-3587
Fax: 407-513-3480
Email
Under Florida law, email addresses are public records. If you do not want your email address released in
response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by
phone or in writing.
Florida residents: info@flvs.net
Non-Florida residents: info@flexpointeducation.com
Social Media
FLVS does not use social media for educational purposes. The social media details below share general information
about FLVS programs.
Facebook: facebook.com/FLVS
Instagram: Instagram.com/Florida Virtual School
Twitter: twitter.com/FLVS
YouTube: youtube.com/FLVS
If you need to contact your teacher or Instructional Leader/Principal directly, you can find his/her contact
information on the course announcement page.
Help Desk Info
If you are having technical problems of any sort, FLVS provides a great resource to help solve many IT
issues for our students.
Are you having trouble logging in to your Student Information System? Visit Recover Information to request/reset
your username or password.
Our Technical Support Help Center is available to 7 days a week and 365 days per year: Monday-Friday
7 a.m.-9 p.m. ET; Saturday-Sunday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. ET:
• ONLINE: Visit help.flvs.net
to access our Technical Support site.
• After creating an account on this site, you will be able to submit a help ticket or start a live chat.
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• PHONE: Call Toll FREE 800-374-1430 and select #2 for technical support.
Do you have questions about FLVS?
• Look at our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) pages, located on FLVS.net - Login/Sign-in FAQs
• If you have questions about FLVS courses or programs, please send an email to info@FLVS.net.
Under Florida law, email addresses are public records. If you do not want your email address released in
response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by
phone or in writing.
District Organization
FLVS is a public school district in the state of Florida and has several different types of school options to serve
Kindergarten-12th grade students.
Attending an FLVS School – State Requirements
FLVS is a public school. As such, it must adhere to the Florida Statutes that guide public school instruction. Although
FLVS serves all students in the state, funding is provided by public tax dollars and FLVS is required to comply with
the Florida Department of Education policies. Regardless of whether a student is attending FLVS Flex or FLVS Full
Time, Florida laws and policies must be honored. The statutes identified below are incorporated into all FLVS
programs. Compliance will be dictated by the district and school of enrollment.
Student Progress through Mastery Learning
For information on Student Progress through Mastery Learning, please reference FLVS policy 5440 – Student
Progress Through Mastery Learning.
Right to Access FLVS Courses
Florida Virtual School as a School Choice Option
The Florida School Code establishes FLVS as an educational choice and an acceleration option for parents and
students. Approximately two-thirds of FLVS students are public school students. Articulation agreements are in
place between FLVS and all school districts to develop a seamless partnership for students.
All Florida public school parents and students have the right to choose the best education method for them. If you
feel that anyone has tried to limit or block your ability to sign up for an FLVS course and would like further
information on denied choice concerns, please visit Student and Parental Rights and Educational Choices
or call
800-374-1430.
Application and Acceptance into FLVS Programs
The state of Florida provides a variety of school choice options, including programs that give precedent where FLVS
may be an option. FLVS is a school of choice for students in the state of Florida. As such, there are compliance
requirements depending upon which program is requested. For more information visit
FLDOE K-12 Scholarship
Programs.
Placement Priority
For information regarding FLVS placement priorities (legislative mandates), please refer to the FLVS district
Student Progression Plan, published on our website: https://flvs.net/about/instruction/student-progression
FLVS Flex K-12
FLVS Flex is available to students enrolled in home education programs, district public and charter schools, and
private schools in the state. Eligibility is detailed in F.S.1002.455 - Student eligibility for K-12 virtual instruction
.
Specific details on eligibility can also be found in the sections below. Students may enroll in as few as one course, or
more depending upon their particular mode of schooling and educational needs.
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Application is made by registering online with FLVS at www.flvs.net.
Request(s) for course(s) follow a process that is
determined by the type of student making the request.
Home Education – The zoned district home education office must verify that the enrolling student is a registered and
in good standing Home Education participant. The parent must approve the course request(s) and provide proof of
residency to be an eligible Florida resident. Student placement for FLVS Flex home education students is
determined by the parent, student, FLVS staff, and homeschool office. The placement for private or public schools is
determined by the school administration.
Public/Charter School – The certified school counselor at the student’s school of enrollment must confirm that the
course request is academically appropriate for the student.
Private School – The private school must be affiliated with FLVS. The certified school counselor, or other
appropriate staff, at the private school of enrollment must confirm that the course request is academically appropriate
for the student. The parent must provide proof of residency to be an eligible Florida resident.
Students who qualify for FLVS Flex based on the eligibility statute are accepted into the program. However, as a
school choice program, FLVS reserves the right to deny enrollment to students based on their disciplinary
history. Please refer to the FLVS Code of Conduct
. Course requests are filled on as much possible basis. In addition
to our statute language regarding our high-priority students (Low Performing, High Minority, and Rural), FLVS also
gives priority to graduating seniors for placement with an instructor. Students are asked to provide the preferred
starting date for the course and every effort is made to meet that request. Students may start a course on any day of
the year, although some restrictions apply to courses tied to a specific testing date, e.g., Advanced Placement (AP)
courses. Students must have easy access to an online computer, either personally or through their school or public
library, as most FLVS coursework is done online.
FLVS Flex courses require time and learning commitment throughout a student’s enrollment. As such, students who
are enrolled in a public or private traditional school are limited to three simultaneous FLVS Flex course enrollments.
Homeschooling students are limited to six simultaneous FLVS Flex course enrollments. FLVS Instructional
Leadership maintains ultimate discretion over situational deviation from this policy.
Students may be placed to meet graduation requirements, need for acceleration, and/or need for remediation.
Students may also take courses in FLVS Flex to have access to courses their school does not offer. For more
information please reference F.S.1002.37 - Florida Virtual School
.
FLVS Terminology
Specific terms will be used throughout this document to indicate where the accountability lies per Florida Statute.
District of Enrollment - this term refers to where the student physically attends school, usually a county in Florida,
where the parent/guardian has residency and where the student is or would be enrolled.
School of Enrollment - (Public/Charter/Private School Students only) this is the physical school in Florida where the
student is enrolled. For FLVS Flex students, this is the school where the student attends or where the student would
attend if enrolled in public school. This term is not used in the context of home education or private school students.
School of Instruction - Primarily used in the context of FLVS Flex, this title indicates which FLVS (or District Virtual)
school taught the student for one or more specific course(s). The School of Instruction for FLVS Flex students is one
of the three FLVS Flex schools.
Virtual Learning Lab - this term applies to public and private schools that offer online courses taught by FLVS
certified instructors in a lab setting at the student’s school of enrollment. The lab course is taken during the regular
school day, facilitated by physical school staff, and follows a traditional 180-day school calendar. The FLVS instructor
supports the lab and students virtually follow FLVS procedures. Students may also access the course from home as
needed.
Blended Learning Community - public/charter school students, this term applies to public districts/schools that offer
online courses taught by FLVS certified instructors in a lab setting at the student’s school of enrollment. The official
FLVS definition is: Courses that include a blended environment, which includes online instruction and face-to-face
instruction.
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FLVS Flex K-12 Exceptional Student Education (ESE)
Students with disabilities or impairments enrolled in FLVS Flex must work with their district of enrollment to
request any necessary ESE services, related services, evaluations, annual reviews, re-evaluations, and initial
eligibility determinations.
FLVS Flex does NOT provide any of these services or evaluations.
If a student has a disability or impairment, this should be indicated when prompted during registration at FLVS.
Parents/guardians are responsible for providing FLVS with a copy of the student’s most current Individual
Educational Plan (IEP) or Section 504 Plan. These documents should be submitted directly to FLVS by the
parent/guardian. Directions to submit these documents are provided during registration and can be viewed at any
time.
Our goal is to provide an exemplary educational experience for our students. FLVS is a school of choice and should
be considered only if the online educational delivery context is the student’s Least Restrictive Environment (LRE),
and therefore the most appropriate choice based on the unique needs of the student. In order to have a successful
experience in the online educational environment, all students should meet the Profile for Success noted in the
Introduction section of this handbook.
Students/families are encouraged to communicate regularly with their teachers at FLVS Flex to determine whether
the virtual educational environment can appropriately meet the needs of the student. FLVS Flex offers a grace period
for families to determine if the online environment is an appropriate fit. Please be sure to discuss the limitations of
this grace period with your FLVS teacher immediately upon enrollment in FLVS Flex.
Please note that FLVS is a fully virtual educational environment. All materials for curriculum, assignments, and
assessments are presented online and therefore do not exist in the format of a textbook, workbook, etc. Certain
materials may be printed from courses as allowable per FLVS policy. All students are required to follow the
instructional policies enforced at FLVS and must agree to such upon registration. This includes requirements such
as, but not limited to, the following: course completion, discussion-based assessments, communication, proctored
exams, academic integrity policies and procedures, etc.
All students at FLVS have access to many accommodations that naturally occur in the virtual setting. FLVS may also
be able to provide additional accommodations per a student’s IEP or 504 Plan if the accommodation(s) is/are
applicable to the online educational environment. Please note that some accommodations may not be possible to
implement as indicated due to the unique online educational setting. A parent/guardian/learning coach may need to
assist in providing some accommodations to the student on their own while the student is working in their home
setting at FLVS Flex. ESE Specialists are available at FLVS Flex to assist students, parents, and teachers with
suggestions for accommodating students in an online classroom.
Please note that FLVS does not provide any Access Points of the Florida State Standards which offer modified
curriculum and assessment options for students with intellectual disabilities or significant cognitive disabilities. FLVS
teachers are unable to make changes to courses or alter the course format to provide modifications. Placing a
student in a lower grade level online course is not a viable option for students in need of modified curriculum and
assessment options. Parents are encouraged to discuss Access Point options that are available in the district of
record for students with significant cognitive disabilities who need reduced levels of complexity/reduced academic
expectations to ensure successful student outcomes.
Students Who are Hospital/Homebound through Their Home
District
All FLVS students have remote access to curriculum, assessments, and instructors. Students who are hospitalized or
homebound may have additional opportunities for flexibility in scheduling and completion of assignments per their
district approval. Please refer to the FLVS Flex Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Manager for specific
questions/concerns.
FLVS Flex English Language Learner (ELL)
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ELLs are provided with equal access to all FLVS courses. Upon enrollment ELLs are asked to self-report as an ELL
and submit ESOL documentation to the ESOL team at ESOLTeam@flvs.net. Teachers use ESOL strategies to make
courses and instruction comprehensible. All courses are delivered in English. Students are required to complete
Welcome Calls, Discussion Based Assessments (DBAs) and assignments in English. Appropriate accommodations
are provided to ELLs based on their ESOL Level. All students at FLVS have access to many accommodations that
naturally occur in the virtual setting. In the FLVS Flex program if the student is registering as Home Education or
Local District Virtual Programs, the family must work with their district of enrollment to request any necessary English
proficiency assessments. FLVS Flex does NOT provide any of these services or evaluations. Open communication
between student/parents and teachers is vital to the students’ success. Please view the
ESOL Parent Guide for more
information.
Stakeholder Roles and Responsibilities
Parent or Legal Guardian – FLVS Flex K-12
Parents/guardians play a key role in their student’s success in any learning environment, but even more so at
FLVS. It is the expectation of FLVS that parents/guardians will be involved in their child’s learning by participating
in the welcome call with each course teacher. During this call, the parents/guardians are introduced to the
requirements of the course and begin building strong teacher-student-parent relationships. In order to be kept
informed of student progress, parents/guardians will also need to be available for a monthly contact with each of
their student’s teachers and will have the ability to choose a preferred method of contact (phone, email, text,
Zoom).
Parents/guardians should encourage their child to consistently work in his/her courses weekly to maintain pace
and view on-going teacher feedback. Additionally, parents/guardians should contact the student’s teachers to
keep them informed of vacations or extended absences. Parents/guardians need to ensure their student is
making continuous learning gains weekly, which can be monitored through a parent/guardian account in the
Student Information System. Lastly, parents/guardians are also responsible for monitoring student work to ensure
compliance with FLVS Flex - Academic Integrity
.
FLVS will provide access to a student’s records to the parent of any student who is enrolled in our program after
the student turns 18 years of age. Students 18 years of age or older may submit a formal request specifically
directing FLVS to restrict parent’s access. Should a student choose to invoke that right, the parent would then
need to provide his/her tax return evidencing the student is a current dependent to gain access back to the
student’s records. To discuss this option, contact the FLVS School Counseling team at: teamcounselor@flvs.net.
Student – Flex K-12
The student’s role at FLVS is to learn to the best of his/her ability. Therefore, students should expect to take age-
appropriate individual responsibility for their own learning, such as: applying themselves to their studies in a
focused and serious manner, working hard, becoming engaged in the lessons and activities, asking questions,
exploring their personal interests, improving areas of academic weaknesses, and capitalizing on strengths—and
at all times, completing their own work and upholding the principles of the FLVS Flex - Academic Integrity
.
Recommended Elementary Instructional Hours
To meet the state’s requirements, families should aim to complete the following minimum hours of schooling each
week which includes activities on and offline activities:
Kindergarten, 1
st grade, 2nd grade, and 3rd grade:
• Recommended Hours per Day - 4
• Recommended Hours per Week - 20
4
th and 5th grade:
• Recommended Hours per Day - 5
• Recommended Hours per Week - 25
School Principal/Instructional Leader (IL)
This individual is responsible for the administration of the school and for ensuring that students are provided with
the support and assistance they need, in accordance with FLVS standards of excellence. For any concerns or
comments, your Instructional Leader’s contact information can be found on the announcement page of your
course website.
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Flex School Counselor
FLVS School Counselors focus their primary support on our home education population. Each homeschooled
student has an FLVS School Counselor based on the student’s location in the state of Florida. The School
Counselor can assist students and parents/guardians with course selection, college and career planning,
interpersonal counseling, and general academic guidance. A School Counselor or other qualified team member
is available to assist with high school credit or college/career questions and help with other post-high-school
plans including the military or the workforce. Since FLVS Flex School Counselors do not have access to
traditional school student records, FLVS Flex program public and private school students are recommended to
utilize their traditional school-based counselor for most of their counseling needs.
Student Services Team
Florida Virtual School’s Student Services Department encompasses programs and professionals that provide
prevention and intervention services to students in grades K-12. Services center around students’ skill development
and is delivered by an integrated team of student services professionals who are uniquely trained to address the
academic, personal/social, and mental health needs of all students.
Florida Virtual School's Student Services team is comprised of Certified School Psychologists, Certified School Social
Workers and Licensed Mental Health Counselors. These professionals work to meet the unique mental health needs
of students by providing Brief Solution Focused Counseling, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and linking families to
outside services.
Our team works collaboratively with school-based counselors and administrators to help meet the unique
social/emotional and mental health needs of students. We also believe parents/guardians are an integral part of
meeting the student's needs and our team encourages students to discuss issues relating to their well-being with
parent(s)/guardian(s).
Teacher
The subject-specific teacher is the primary contact for students and parents/guardians about subject-specific
questions. These teachers are qualified to provide instructional interventional strategies as needed and to handle
the following instructional questions:
• Curriculum or materials
• Course scope and sequence
• Accommodations for assignments / assessments for students with documented special needs
• Testing
• Grading and progress reports
• Help with an assessment or skill
Teachers proactively monitor each student’s progress using our Student Information System and Learning
Management System and through regular contact via phone, texting, email, and synchronous Live Lessons.
Teachers score assessments and provide feedback on the student’s performance through formal means, such as
assessment grades, comments, and regular progress reports, as well as informal means, such as phone calls and
online communication. Depending on a student’s needs and grade level, teachers provide instruction in different
ways. Generally, students will have a different subject-specific teacher for each course.
FLVS Student / Parent Media Release Form
FLVS is proud to promote the success of its students, staff, and programs. FLVS uses many innovative activities to
support student learning. To illustrate these innovative activities, we may publish exemplary student stories and work
that demonstrate learning in the online environment. These accomplishments may also draw the attention of
newspapers, television stations, and other media who visit our learning environments to photograph, film and identify
students and staff during various activities. FLVS may also use names, images, and video clips of students in
materials such as newsletters, website content and postings to our official social media platforms.
To restrict FLVS from featuring your student, please complete the Media Release Form during the registration
process in VSA. If FLVS does not receive this form, your student may be included in highlights. A separate signature
form is required for each child enrolled during the VSA registration process.
Teacher Qualification Information
All FLVS teachers are Florida Certified. If you have further questions about a teacher’s qualifications, please
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contact an IL/Principal. The IL contact information can be found on any teacher’s announcement page.
Letters of Recommendation
Students may request letters of recommendation as needed from teachers. However, the decision to write a letter
of recommendation is at the teacher’s discretion.
Student Support Teams
FLVS also has several support teams that are responsible for helping your student succeed. If your student needs
additional support, please contact FLVS at 800-374-1430.
Student Organizations
FLVS offers a wide range and many opportunities and activities for students to get involved with their
peers throughout the year. Students can find out more and get involved by viewing the Calendar at
https://www.flvs.net/student-resources/calendar/flex.
Visit FLVS Clubs for more information or to join one of the FLVS clubs. When conducted under the name of the
school or school district or any class or organization thereof, extracurricular activities shall be under the general
supervision of the school authorities. School organizations and activities designed for students shall be approved by
the IL/Principal. An instructional team member shall serve as a sponsor or advisor to each organization. Activities
shall be integrated with and supplementary to the regular school program. The Code of Student Conduct shall apply
to all such activities in Kindergarten-12th grade. Written consent from parents will be required for students to
participate in FLVS clubs.
FLVS is proud to offer educational opportunities that extend beyond the virtual classroom with many involving
field trips.
Field Trips / Meet-Ups
By signing and electronically submitting the Parent/Guardian Field Trip permission form, the parents/legal
guardians affirm that he/she/they have approved the participation of their child in the school-sponsored academic
or extracurricular field trip with full knowledge that:
• Florida Virtual School reserves the right to cancel a trip up to the departure date or to recall a trip in
progress if national and/or international conditions so warrant or if security, health, and safety concerns
over which FLVS had no control, or other reasons render it appropriate to cancel the trip. Florida Virtual
School will take the following criteria into consideration when making its decision: (a) U.S. Department of
State Travel Advisory; (b) Homeland Security Advisory (alert status)/Declaration of War or armed conflict;
(c) Health Advisory (alert status); and/or (d) other reasons deemed necessary. Additionally, the critical
judgment of Florida Virtual School, with input from the Executive Leadership Team/Director/Principal and
trip organizer, will be taken into consideration.
• In such event that a trip must be cancelled, school officials will make a reasonable effort to obtain a
refund of monies paid by students and parents. However, such refunds are not guaranteed. The student
and parents understand that he/she/they may lose any and/or all the funds he/she/they have expended
for the voluntary trip.
o
Student and Parents will be notified on a timely manner of the cancelation.
o
If a refund has been deemed necessary parents/guardians paid into the trip will be notified
o
The funds processed may take 4-6 weeks before the parent/guardian will see their statement
posted.
• The Senior Director or designee will alert the School Representatives to final deadlines regarding
required commitment of funds if there are national/international events/conditions/situations which might
make FLVS to cancel or recall a trip due to safety concerns or other reasons.
For full details, see Appendix A and please visit our Student Resource Center.
School Holidays
Although we do close our main office and FLVS personnel are off on certain holidays during the year, students
can access their courses and maintain momentum in their learning, even when other schools are closed. Your
FLVS course(s) will always be open and available, even on FLVS holidays.
FLVS Flex Student and Parent Handbook 2023-24
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NCAA
FLVS core course curriculum has been approved by NCAA. Elective courses are not approved by NCAA as they
are not part of their college entrance requirements. To see NCAA-approved courses, visit the NCAA website and
enter your school information.
Accreditation
FLVS (the district) is accredited as a system by Cognia, and the various FLVS schools are accredited by Southern
Association of College and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI). Our courses
meet curriculum standards developed by the State of Florida, and all public institutions within Florida must provide
Florida families the option to choose FLVS for courses.
Parent/Guardian Account
FLVS values parents and guardians as partners. From approving course requests to monitoring progress, the
Parent/Guardian Account allows parents to have a hands-on approach with their student's academic life at FLVS.
With your Parent/Guardian Account you will have:
• 24/7 online access to submitted and/or graded assignments and your child's grade book
• Extensive access to teachers (8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday)
If Parent/Guardian would like another adult to have access to the student information, it is the responsibility of the
Parent/Guardian to consent and add this information in VSA.
How to create your Parent/Guardian Account
1.
Student Completes Application: First, the student must complete the sign-up process at
https://www.flvs.net/student-parent-resources/family-support/parent-guardian-account. Once the student
has completed the online application, he/she will receive a Student Username/Password. You will need
this Student Username/Password to create your Parent/Guardian Account.
2.
Follow the Instructions to Set Up Your Parent/Guardian Account
Getting Ready for Florida Virtual School: Quick Tips
Get to Know the FLVS Policies
Take some time before the school year or class starts to become familiar with the policies in this handbook.
You are bound by the policies in this document, so please refer to this throughout the year to ensure you follow
FLVS policies and procedures.
Obtain Course Supplies
Each FLVS course contains an online Materials List that specifies what is needed for the course the student is
taking. Use the Materials List to see which materials you need to supply yourself, such as pens and pencils,
highlighters, note cards, file folders, notebooks, a ruler/protractor, novels for English courses, free software,
additional items for some physical education courses, etc. You may also need to have printer paper, a printer, and
printer ink cartridges.
Students wishing to take an FLVS course must have access to their own computer via school library, home,
friend’s house, or local library. Review the computer requirements listed on the next page. FLVS-provided
materials are sent to the students, but the parent/guardian is responsible for returning it back to the school once
the course has been completed.
• High School Page
• Middle School Page
• Elementary School Page:
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**Please Note: All outstanding non-disposable materials must either be returned or paid for prior to being
placed in additional courses with FLVS. Students or parents may submit a Help Ticket at help.flvs.net
if
they have concerns related to outstanding materials. Any materials provided to students by FLVS are the
student’s responsibility and must be returned in good condition.
Transfer Grades and Coursework
FLVS Flex does not accept transfer grades or transferred coursework. Students who withdraw from a traditional
school prior to earning credit will need to repeat the entire semester/segment. FLVS Flex works in
semester/segment credits only. In order to receive credit from FLVS Flex, students must complete the entire
segment/semester of a course.
Grade Forgiveness Policies
For information on Grade Forgiveness, please reference FLVS policy 5421 – Grade Forgiveness
Dedicate a Space for School Materials and Supplies
• Place your “learning area” in a quiet area that is free of distractions.
• Create a filing system for portfolio assessments, work, and important papers.
• Work with your parent/guardian to create a realistic weekly schedule for working on FLVS courses, being
sure to account for weekly learning expectations.
• Be sure to review the minimum system requirements to ensure you are set up properly.
Meet Your Teacher and Explore Your Virtual School
Your teacher will contact you by phone when you are placed in a course to make introductions and discuss
course expectations for the school year. If you want to get to know your teacher before that call, check out the
course announcement page by clicking on the course name on the Student’s Information System Dashboard. The
course announcement page will include some information about your teacher, how to contact the teacher and
his/her Principal/IL, as well as some resources to help you succeed in the course. Now is also a good time to
check out the Student Resource Center which includes many helpful links and resources for FLVS students and
parents/guardians. These are great resources to review as you are getting ready to start your course at FLVS.
Course Information at FLVS
Curriculum and Instruction
FLVS is a public school. As such, it must adhere to the Florida Statutes that guide public school instruction. Although
FLVS serves all students in the state, funding is provided by public tax dollars and FLVS is required to comply with
the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) policies. Regardless of whether a student is attending FLVS Flex or
FLVS Full Time, Florida laws and policies must be honored. The statutes identified below are incorporated into all
FLVS programs. Compliance will be dictated by the district and FLVS is required to teach, and students are required
to meet, state curriculum standards as defined by the FLDOE. Florida State Standards establish the core content of
the curricula to be taught in the state and specify the core content knowledge and skills that Kindergarten through
12th grade public school students are expected to acquire. Standards must be rigorous and relevant and provide for
the logical, sequential progression of core curricular content that incrementally increases a student’s core content
knowledge and skills over time. Curricular content for all subjects must integrate critical-thinking, problem-solving,
and workforce-literacy skills; communication, reading, and writing skills; mathematics skills; collaboration skills;
contextual and applied-learning skills; technology-literacy skills; information and media-literacy skills; and civic-
engagement skills. The standards must include distinct grade-level expectations for the core content knowledge and
skills that a student is expected to have acquired by each individual grade level from Kindergarten through grade 8.
The standards for grades 9 through 12 may be organized by grade clusters of more than one grade level except as
otherwise provided for visual and performing arts, physical education, health, and foreign language standards.
Pursuant to s. 1002.20, F.S.; A public school student whose parent makes written request to the school principal
shall be exempted from the teaching of reproductive health or any disease, including HIV/AIDS, in accordance with
the provisions of s. 1003.42(3). Click here to learn more about the process and which courses contain subject matter
where an exemption request can be made. To see the curriculum available through FLVS Flex, please visit FLVS
Flex Courses.
Course Information
FLVS course content is developed to directly align with the course descriptions published by the Florida
Department of Education and approved by the Florida State Board of Education. Within those course descriptions
are the specific standards and benchmarks students must meet in the course which drive the content taught and
assessments of mastery. As prescribed in Florida statute 989, requests to view FLVS course content can be
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submitted through our Help Desk at help@flvs.net.
FLVS welcomes and encourages stakeholder feedback to
continuously improve our student experience.
Science Courses
There are many potential hazards in a science laboratory. However, in general, accidents caused by these
hazards can be avoided if the student is familiar with laboratory techniques and a few rules are followed. Most of
the materials you will be working with in an FLVS science course are ones that can be found in the home.
However, even these items can cause harm if mishandled.
The safest way to handle chemicals is to treat them all with care. There is no substitute for good technique in
eliminating accidents. By clicking “I Agree” during registration, you agree to read and abide by the safety rules
and procedures in your FLVS science course. By approving the course, the parent/guardian agrees to supervise
the science experiments presented in the course. If you have additional questions, please contact your FLVS
science teacher.
Advanced Placement
®
(AP
®
) Courses
Students entering high school grades 9-12 have access to Advanced Placement courses that may result in earning
college credit for high school coursework. These courses are used to calculate overall Grade Point Average (GPA)
and typically count extra in the calculation. These courses are also available at no charge to Florida public school
students, whereas they may have a tuition cost if taken in college. (S.1003.02, F.S.
)
A passing grade in the course will be accepted for high school credit. Students are not required to take the Advanced
Placement Exam prior to receiving credit for the course; they may receive half credit at the end of each semester.
However, students enrolled in a traditional school while taking an AP course with FLVS should reference their school
district’s policies related to credit weighting and exam requirements to determine how their grade will be weighted by
their school district. Postsecondary institutions determine college credit awarded based on the AP Exam score
earned. FLVS strongly encourages students who take AP courses to sit for the course AP Exam in May. Students
shall be exempt from payment of any fees or costs associated with AP Exam participation, with the following two
exceptions: students who incur late registration fees will be responsible for fee payment, and non-military family
students who take the test outside the United States will be responsible for registration costs.
Advanced Placement Age Expectations
Per College Board policy - The AP designation may only be applied to courses offered at or above the ninth-grade
level that have received authorization through the annual AP Course Audit process. The AP label cannot be affixed to
courses and transcripts earlier than ninth grade. There is one exception to this policy: AP world language and culture
courses. These courses focus on linguistic proficiency and cultural competency, so in rare situations these courses
can be successfully offered earlier than ninth grade among students who can already speak, read, and write the
language with fluency. For more information, please visit the College Board ™ website.
Advanced Placement Capstone Diploma
The AP Capstone Diploma is a designation earned from and distributed by the College Board ™. Students
successfully complete AP Seminar and AP Research and two AP courses of their choice through FLVS, as well as
two additional AP courses with FLVS or their local school. Once a student completes all six AP exams for these
courses and achieves at least an exam score of three on each, all program requirements will be met. Students will
still need to earn a traditional high school diploma through a chosen Florida high school for graduation purposes.
Honors Courses – High School
Almost all our core courses may be taken for Regular or Honors credit. If you are interested in receiving Honors
credit, simply register for the Honors option for the course. Or, if you decide you would like Honors credit after
registering for the regular option for the course, simply inform your teacher and school counselor once placed in
the regular version of the course and your instructor can change you to the Honors credit version. Honors courses
will cover material in more depth and, as a result, generally require more time and work to complete.
Students who elect to complete an Honors course, where available, commit to completing and passing all Honors
assessments in the course. Students who do not complete and pass (score of 60 percent or higher) all Honors
assessments in the course will not be completed with Honors credit for the course. Students seeking Honors
credit must also complete the Honors segment exam.
Advanced Courses – Middle School
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Students who elect to complete an advanced course, where available, commit to completing and passing all
advanced assessments in the course. Students who do not complete and pass (score of 60% or higher) all advanced
assessments in the course will not be completed with advanced units for the courses. Students seeking advanced
units must also complete the advanced segment exam.
*Public/Private Students: Please make sure your school counselor is aware of your choice prior to notifying your
FLVS instructor.
Physical Education Expectation
FLVS courses are designed to develop overall health and well-being through structured learning experiences,
appropriate instruction, and meaningful content. FLVS provides a quality Physical Education program in which
students can experience success and develop positive attitudes about physical activity so that they can adopt
healthy and physically active lifestyles. Programs are flexible to accommodate individual student interests and
activity levels in a learning environment that is developmentally appropriate, safe, and supportive. FLVS offers
the following Physical Education courses:
• Physical Education Grades Kindergarten-5
• M/J Comprehensive PE, grades 6/7
• M/J Comprehensive PE, grades 7/8
• M/J Fitness, grade 6
• Fitness Lifestyle Design
• Health Opportunities through Physical Education (HOPE)
• Outdoor Education
• Personal Fitness
The 2007 legislative session in Florida passed House Bill 967, a Physical Education bill, that included the
following:
• Defines "PE" as "the development and maintenance of skills related to strength, agility, flexibility,
movement, and stamina, including dance; the development of knowledge and skills regarding teamwork
and fair play; the development of knowledge and skills regarding nutrition and physical fitness as part of a
healthy lifestyle; and the development of positive attitudes regarding sound nutrition and physical activity
as a component of personal well-being."
• Requires 150 minutes of PE per week for grades Kindergarten-5th.
• Students enrolled in physical education instruction shall be reported through the periodic student
membership survey.
• Records of enrollment in physical education instruction shall be audited pursuant to s. 1010.305, F.S.
• Defines those individuals approved to teach PE in grades Kindergarten-5th as instructional personnel
defined in section 1012.01(2), F.S., regardless of certification, who are designated by the school principal.
This includes classroom teachers, student services personnel, librarians/media specialists, other
instructional staff, and paraprofessionals.
• Requires Sunshine State Standards (SSS) for PE to be reviewed and revised during the 2007-08 school
year to reflect state-of-the-art philosophy and practice. The revised standards shall emphasize the role of
physical education in promoting the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that prepare students to make
healthy lifelong nutrition and physical fitness choices.
As of the 2009-10 academic year, the equivalent of one class period per day of physical education for one
semester each year is required for middle school students (grades 6 through 8). To satisfy the one semester
requirement for middle school students, the physical education provided must "consist of physical activities of at
least a moderate intensity level and for a duration sufficient to provide a significant health benefit to students,
subject to the differing capabilities of students." All FLVS PE courses are taught by certified instructional
personnel. A high school student selecting the traditional 24-credit graduation option must earn one credit in
physical education. For students entering 9th grade in or after the 2007-08 academic year, credit for physical
education must include the integration of health education. A student selecting one of the accelerated 18-credit
graduation options or the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum or Advanced International Certificate of
Education (AICE) Curriculum is not required to earn physical education credit.
To meet the one-credit requirement for students entering high school in or after the 2007-08 academic year, the
FLDOE has established three course options. A school district may choose from among these three options:
• Option 1. A one-half-credit course in personal fitness and one-half-credit course in a physical education
elective (taught by teachers certified in physical education);
• Option 2. The one-credit Health Opportunities through Physical Education (HOPE) Core course (co-
taught by a teacher certified in physical education and a teacher certified in health education or taught by
a teacher dually certified in both physical education and health education); or
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• Option 3. The one-credit HOPE Physical Education Variation course (taught by a teacher certified in
physical education).
A school district may not require a student to take these physical education courses in 9th grade.
In addition to the physical activities described in the lessons, students have the option to participate in Yoga or
individual or team sports. High school students participating at the junior varsity or varsity level for two full seasons
may not need to select one of these three options. Please contact your School Counselor with any questions.
Students enrolled in the FLVS Flex program, taking an FLVS PE course, should consult with their district of
enrollment to determine specific district expectations.
Expected Physical Education Program Outcomes
Each school district is responsible for developing a physical education program that stresses physical fitness,
encourages healthy, active lifestyles, and encourages all students in prekindergarten-12th grade to participate in
physical education. At FLVS we take this responsibility seriously, actively working with our students to ensure that
they are meeting Florida’s standards for health and fitness. These standards may be found at:
• floridastandards.org
• shapeamerica.org/standards/pe
Benefits of Physical Education
Proper physical education has lifelong benefits.
• It teaches about healthy nutrition and eating habits to ensure we are providing our bodies with the right
mix of nutritional ingredients.
• It promotes an active lifestyle to develop and maintain motor skills useful in all walks of life.
• It teaches us about our bodies and how to keep them healthy and working throughout our lifetime.
• It teaches about and motivates to adopt ethical behaviors through participating in sporting activities.
• It provides an outlet for mental and physical stress.
How to Choose the Right Physical Education Program for You
FLVS serves a wide variety of students. If you are enrolled in a public-school district or private school and are
taking courses at FLVS Flex, please consult with the School Counselor at your school of enrollment to determine
what will be required by your school. If you are enrolled in a district VIP program, taking all your courses online,
please consult with your district school counselor as well.
FLVS Flex Elementary Program
Florida Virtual School may provide full-time or part-time instruction for students in Kindergarten through grade 12.
All Florida students are eligible to receive virtual instruction in Kindergarten through grade 5. For more information,
please visit F.S.1002.455 - Student eligibility for K-12 virtual instruction. See
Attending an FLVS School – State
Requirements to review eligibility rules for virtual education. This applies to all home education students as well.
Home education students attending the FLVS Flex Kindergarten-5 school are not considered public school students
for purposes of eligibility.
FLVS Flex Elementary offers core courses as well as electives and is open to all eligible students for enrollment.
Flex Elementary courses are not supplemental, as the courses are assigned the same course codes as all public-
school courses.
Flex Elementary Acceleration
Public school students may enroll in FLVS elementary course(s) if they have been approved by the school of record
for acceleration. The school of record verifies the course(s) to acknowledge the course is both academically
appropriate and FTE will be received by FLVS. FLVS may serve as an acceleration option for students.
Flex Elementary Enrichment
Public school students may enroll in FLVS Elementary Computer Science or Elementary Spanish as an enrichment
option. Students may enroll in the course(s) throughout the year.
Public school students who successfully complete a grade level and were promoted may not enroll in FLVS
courses(s) in the summer. This will prevent the student from enrolling in the same courses in the school of record
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when they return in fall.
Flex Elementary Remediation
Public school students who did not pass a subject or grade level and the school of record requests the student retake
the course(s) with Flex Elementary during summer for promotion consideration may enroll. If the student successfully
completes the course(s), the promotion or retention decision falls on the school of record.
FLVS cannot provide remediation in same grade level courses if the student has successfully completed those
courses in a public school and was promoted to the next grade level. Upon promotion, a student may not enroll back
in the previous grade level.
Flex Elementary Kindergarten Admission
Any child who has attained the age of 5 years on or before September 1 of the school year is eligible for admission to
public Kindergarten during that school year under the rules prescribed by the district school board.
Flex Elementary First Grade Admission
Any child who has attained the age of 6 years on or before September 1 of the school year and who has been
enrolled in a public school, or who has attained the age of 6 years on or before September 1 and has satisfactorily
completed the requirements for Kindergarten in a private school from which the district school board accepts transfer
of academic credit, or who otherwise meets the criteria for admission or transfer in a manner similar or applicable to
other grades, shall progress according to the district student progression plan.
Flex Elementary Withdrawal of Non-Working Students
Any student who is inactive (failure to submit daily assignments) for more than 14 days, the teacher will notify the
parent that the student will need to submit work, or he/she will be recommended for withdrawal from the program. If
the student continues to be inactive, the Teacher on Assignment (TOA) will contact the parent and discuss a learning
plan specific to the student’s needs. If the student continues to be inactive after the learning plan is discussed the
Instructional Leader / Principal will request a withdrawal from FLVS Flex Elementary. Only the parent/guardian who
enrolls the student may withdraw the student from FLVS Flex Elementary.
Flex Elementary Attendance and Absences
Parents should email a teacher if the student is going to be absent from course work and not submitting work during
the week. It is important that students submit work daily for timely and specific feedback from the teacher.
Flex Elementary Course Completion
Students who successfully complete a course with a 60% or higher are provided documentation (transcript) for
completion. For homeschool students, maintaining the educational portfolio is the responsibility of the parent and the
district homeschool office. FLVS Flex Elementary does not promote, retain, or allow students to skip a grade. Those
decisions are made by the parent and local school district.
Flex Elementary Maximum Course Load
Public / Charter school elementary students must work through their certified school counselor when requesting
courses to ensure they are academically appropriate and may take up to three additional courses. Home education
students can take six individual courses per segment or 12 individual courses per school year. Reach out to your
local homeschool district and school certified counselor for more information.
Flex Elementary State Testing
FLVS Flex Elementary public/charter school students enrolled in Flex Elementary grades 3rd-5th are required to
take the state assessments with their enrolled school of record.
FLVS Flex Elementary homeschool/private school students are not required to participate in state-mandated
tests. Participation is at the discretion of the parent and should be coordinated with the Home Education
Department of the local school district.
Flex Elementary Handwriting Standards and Expectations
FLVS Flex Elementary students in Kindergarten through grade 3 are required to submit handwritten work for all
assignments in the enrolled student’s own handwriting. Grades 4 and 5 may submit typed assignments with the
exception of the assignments that include handwriting standards. The requirement of students submitting work in
their own handwriting is in alignment with FLVS Academic Integrity policies.
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Students who have an IEP, 504 Plan, or other ESE documentation on file at FLVS may require accommodations for
the response options for class assignments. The teacher or parent should contact the grade-level ESE Specialist to
discuss any necessary accommodations.
Flex Elementary Communication - Monthly Progress Contact Requirement
The home educator is required to complete a voice-to-voice monthly call regardless of academic standing, to
discuss student progress. Two-way text messaging or email communications will not be an option for the
elementary monthly call.
Flex Elementary: Kindergarten - Grade 5 Writing Assignments
Students completing any of the K-5 courses may be assigned writing and/or drawing assignments. Parents may be
contacted to review and discuss any content submitted with the assignment that the teacher deems of a sensitive
nature.
Minimum Length of Courses
Another aspect of the FLVS commitment to student learning is the seat-time policy for each segment of every course.
To ensure adequate time for comprehension and mastery, students must work in a course segment consistently for a
minimum of 14 days starting from the date of the first submission. There is a separate 14-day time period for each
segment and these time periods cannot overlap. Twenty-eight days of work is required, at minimum, for a two-
semester course. Based on content, some courses have longer seat time policies. Consistent submission of
assessments will ensure the student is engaged and learning.
This policy provides students the opportunity to receive ongoing feedback and remediation while demonstrating their
learning through several required checkpoints. DBAs are limited to no more than one per day. The Instructional
Leadership Team reserves the right to evaluate a student’s gradebook to determine when the work habits show
consistent progress, thus beginning the count towards the 14-day minimum and may require a student to take a
proctored exam in order to complete the class. All assignments must be completed prior to taking the segment exam.
Students/Parents with questions about a specific course’s seat-time policy are encouraged to contact their instructor
for details.
Grading
The grading system and interpretation of letter grades used to measure student success for students in Kindergarten
– Grade 12 shall be as follows:
Percentage
Grade
Definition
90-100
A
Outstanding Progress
80-89
B
Above Average Progress
70-79
C
Average Progress
60-69
D
Lowest Acceptable Progress
0-59
F
Failure
Elementary Special Areas:
Percentage
Grade
Definition
60-100
S
Satisfactory
59 and below
U
Unsatisfactory
Weights for high school courses may be different depending on student’s district of enrollment. Please reference
FLVS policy 5421 - GRADING
Mandatory Final Exam Policy – FLVS Students Grades 6-12
The purpose of the final exam is to assist in validating that students have demonstrated mastery of key course
concepts and standards. The final exam, unto itself, is not the sole determiner of student achievement, however,
students are required to take a final exam in all FLVS courses in order to be eligible for course credit.
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FLVS may, at its discretion, require a proctored segment exam for any student on a situational basis. Academic
Integrity proctored exams must be successfully passed (grade of 59.5% or higher) in order for a student to be eligible
for course credit.
Course Progress
The standard semester pace in most FLVS courses is 18 weeks to complete; while some courses may have a
different standard pace, every course has its own unique pace chart to guide students and parents to succeed in the
course. Students whose enrollment in their course segment exceeds an appropriate and agreed-upon pace for
learning and retaining course material (as determined by the course pace chart and instructor) will be contacted and
offered help. Students who do not respond to teacher-led interventions by regularly submitting course assessments,
as indicated through those interventions, will be withdrawn. Instructional Leadership may exercise discretion in
varying from this policy in certain student situations and as needed in courses associated with state or Advanced
Placement assessments.
Withdrawals during the first 14 days of a course enrollment will result in a grade of W sent to the student’s school of
record. Withdrawals are processed as WP for students who are earning a passing grade (59.5% or above, overall) at
the time of withdrawal and as WF for students who are earning a failing grade (59.4% or below, overall) at the time of
withdrawal. All final grades and withdrawals are sent to the student’s school of record. Each school district
determines the information that is added to the student’s transcript.
Academic Integrity
Academic Integrity is one of our core values and one of the most important areas of focus as a learning organization.
Students with academic integrity make decisions based on ethics and values that will prepare them to be productive
and ethical citizens. FLVS Flex requires the original work of all students and in so doing, prohibits plagiarism of the
work of others and cheating. Students shall be expected to properly cite the origin of work that is not the student’s
own. If work content, other than commonly known facts, is not properly cited, attributed, or credited, the work may be
determined to be plagiarized.
Any assignment which is required to be submitted as written work must be submitted in the student’s handwriting.
Violations of academic integrity will follow the academic integrity matrix for next steps.
As they progress through their courses, students will engage in several possible types of formal and informal
evaluations assignments that are submitted for instructor evaluation and scoring are required to be typewritten and
submitted directly through the Assessment page within the course. Handwritten assignments will not be accepted
unless the assignment explicitly requires the assignment to be handwritten.
Any requests for exceptions to this requirement will be reviewed by Instructional Leadership on an individual basis,
and will be based on an IEP, 504 Plan, or other relevant considerations. Academic Integrity expectations can be
found on the FLVS website:
FLVS Flex – Academic Integrity.
Assessments
It is essential that student performance is regularly assessed. FLVS uses several types of assessments to determine
students’ skill levels, evaluate performance, develop educational plans, and to develop a permanent school record.
As they progress through their courses, students will engage in several possible types of formal and informal
evaluations. Written assessments that are submitted for instructor evaluation and scoring are required to be
typewritten and submitted directly through the Assessment page within the course. Any requests for exceptions to
this requirement will be reviewed by Instructional Leadership on an individual basis, and will be based on an IEP,
504 Plan, or other relevant considerations.
Assessments within the Curriculum
As they progress through their courses, students will engage in several possible types of formal and informal
evaluations.
Formal Evaluations Evaluated by FLVS Instructors
• Quick Checks – Brief online assessments that provide automatic feedback for students and teachers.
• Quizzes – Short online assessments that provide automatic feedback for students and teachers.
• Course Assessments – Written compositions, lab reports, short answer paragraphs, essays, book
responses, and other assessments that require teacher evaluation of the student’s work.
• Honors Assessments – Every Honors assessment in a course must be completed and passed (grade of
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60 percent or higher) by a student seeking Honors course credit. Honors assessments are skipped or
exempted in gradebooks of students seeking regular course credit.
• Graded Discussions – Monitored “class discussions” in which students post thoughts, ideas, and
reactions on a designated discussion board. The postings are required by specific assessment guidelines
outlined in the curriculum and are evaluated by the teacher.
• Flex K-12 Discussion-based Assessments (DBAs) – As a means of ensuring comprehension and
integrity, each course contains built-in assignments that are designated to be completed verbally, during
a discussion between a teacher and student. Discussion-based Assessments (DBAs) are a required
component of all FLVS courses and programs. DBAs are integrated into all courses and programs to
ensure mastery of content and integrity of written work; these mandatory assessments allow students to
respond orally to questions provided by the teacher during a voice-to-voice conversation. DBAs in K-5
will take place via Zoom. To ensure academic integrity Flex 6-12 DBA’s may be required to be completed
via an application using video and audio. DBAs in K-5 are required to take place via Zoom. Students may
remediate and re-attempt unsuccessful DBAs at the discretion of their instructor. A student who does not
complete and pass (60 percent or higher) every DBA is not eligible for course credit. Depending on the
grade level, DBAs are varied throughout the course and/or FLVS program. ESOL students receive
certain accommodations in class and in DBAs, including extra time on DBAs, use of a heritage language
dictionary, and access to online translation tools. However, DBAs are conducted in English Teachers use
ESOL strategies in class and during DBAs to assist ELLs in accessing the course and DBA content.
• Flex K-5 Literacy Skills Assessment - Language Arts Literacy Skills Assessments are quarterly
assessments used to evaluate sight word fluency, reading accuracy, and comprehension. The Literacy
Skills Assessment must be completed in Zoom as the assessment requires screen sharing the visual aids
for the student to complete.
• Collaboration Projects –To foster 21st Century Skills and build real-world competencies, FLVS courses
contain opportunities for collaboration in learning with peers. While completing a collaboration
assessment is not a requirement for earning completion credit for an FLVS course, it is highly
recommended that all students complete these assessments.
• Tests – Module tests cover material from all lessons within a specific module. They are online assessments
that contain a variety of question types and are weighted more heavily than quizzes towards the student’s
final grade.
• Segment Exams – Substantial end-of-semester assessments that provide students and teachers with
more comprehensive information about a student’s understanding of the instructional material. Students
who do not take the segment exam are ineligible for course credit. Students seeking honors credit must
take the honors segment exam in courses where applicable.
• End-of-Course (EOC) Exams – Comprehensive assessments that may occur at the end of some
courses. The state of Florida determines which courses have mandatory EOC components. Updated
information on state EOC requirements can be found on the FLDOE website.
Student grades are based on a combination of the formal evaluations listed above.
End-of-Course Assessments
During the 2010 legislative session, Governor Crist authorized the implementation of EOC Assessments in several
courses. All public school and charter school students are required to take these assessments when instructed by
their districts. Exact dates are determined by your school district of residence.
EOC assessments must be rigorous, statewide, standardized, and developed or approved by the Florida Department
of Education. The content knowledge and skills assessed by EOC assessments must be aligned to the core
curricular content established in the Florida Standards. Students enrolled in Civics, Algebra 1, Geometry, U.S.
History, Biology 1, or an equivalent course with a statewide, standardized EOC assessment are required to take the
specific EOC assessment at their school of enrollment or at a location agreed upon by their zoned district and FLVS.
For information on the EOC Assessments and available study materials, visit
https://www.flvs.net/student-
resources/flex/eoc.
Statewide Comprehensive Assessment Program
S. 1008.22 Statewide Comprehensive Assessment Program.
Students attending FLVS Flex are subject to the statewide assessment program based upon the status of their
school of enrollment. FLVS does not administer any statewide assessments as part of the FLVS Flex program.
Students are expected to adhere to the policy of their local district or private school regarding testing. Home
education students who desire to take and use statewide assessments as their annual education evaluation must
request that testing through the Home Education office in their district of residence.
FLVS Flex Student and Parent Handbook 2023-24
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Transcript Request
Unofficial FLVS Transcript
You may access your FLVS transcript in the following way:
• Log in to your account
• Click on the “Student Records” link in the navigation bar.
• Click on the “Cumulative Academic Report” link.
• Click on the link in the middle of the page that reads "Print Unofficial Transcript."
• Flex Elementary transcript requests are sent to school counselors. Then the Flex Elementary leadership
team forwards to the requesting party.
Official Cumulative FLVS Transcript
Students may request an Official Cumulative FLVS Transcript at any time. For information on how, visit
https://www.flvs.net/student-resources/transcript-request
The Transcript Includes:
• Courses taken with FLVS
• The year courses were taken
• Number of credits earned
• Grade received
Final Grade Report
When a student completes a course semester and has returned all course materials, the teacher sends a request
for a Final Grade Report to be issued. The Final Grade Report is sent electronically to the student's school of
record for inclusion on the student's official transcript according to the school / district of record transcript
practices.
Study Tools at FLVS
FLVS prides itself on ensuring that our students are prepared for every step of their educational journey. To that
end, we have included a vast array of Study Tools to help our students prepare for EOC Exams, AP Exams,
SATs, ACTs, and more. Study tools offered by FLVS include:
• Test Prep
Computer Requirements, Specifications
Technology
A virtual school requires the use of technology to promote and support student learning. All school participants,
including parents or legal guardians, students, and staff, will use the Florida Virtual School Student Information
System and Learning Management System as well as the Internet to communicate and share information.
Hardware and software requirements for accessing your Student Information System and your Learning
Management System can be met by using your family’s personal computer, a computer in a public library, or any
other computer as long as the equipment used meets the FVLS minimum specifications (see below). At present,
we test and verify a wide variety of devices and have ongoing programs to migrate away from any technologies
that are not compliant with newer mobile platforms. In general, however, lightweight devices such as Google
Chromebooks or tablets that have very limited technology support for Java or Flash, will not be compatible with
most of our courses. Please ensure you have a Windows or Mac based computer available to complete
coursework if your selected mobile device does not meet the needs of the course. Some courses may have
different or additional requirements to the one listed on this page. For specific System Requirements for your
course, go to the Material List page in the Course Information tab within the course.
Hardware Requirements
Internet Access and Speed
If you have Internet access, you can take courses with FLVS. (While it is possible to take courses with dial-up
connectivity, it will take a little longer for pages to load. You might want to print a few lessons and work offline.
FLVS Flex Student and Parent Handbook 2023-24
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You can then save and upload work when you are finished.)
Browser Plug-ins
• Please visit the System Requirements page under https://www.flvs.net/student-resources for a
comprehensive list of supported browsers and plug-ins.
PC Requirements
• Minimum of 10 gigabytes free HDD space
• High Speed such as Cable or DSL (Using dial-up is possible but you may experience performance issues
with certain course features)
• Windows 7, 8.1, or 10
• FLVS provides FREE Microsoft Office licenses for FLVS Students – Information provided within each course
• 512 MB Ram
• 12x CD-ROM (CD/DVD Recommended; Some courses require CD/DVD which will be notated within
course registration)
• Display setting 1024x768 resolution
• Printer access required
• Microsoft Edge (visit https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/edge to download) or Firefox version (visit
mozilla.com/firefox to download) or Google Chrome (visit www.google.com/chrome or Safari (visit
http://www.apple.com/safari/download to download)
• Students need a method to save work to a portable medium (USB drive, Zip file, CD)
• Audio: Sound card with speakers and microphone or headset
Macintosh Requirements
• MacOS (10.8) or higher
• High Speed such as Cable or DSL (Using dial-up is possible but you may experience performance issues
with certain course features)
• Microsoft Office, Open Office, or Google Docs (Some Business courses require Microsoft Office which will
be notated within course registration)
• Students need a method to save work to a portable medium (USB drive, Zip file, CD)
• 256 MB Ram
• Minimum of 10 gigabytes free HDD space
• 12x CD ROM (CD/DVD Recommended)
• Display setting 1024x768 resolution
• Printer access required
• Firefox (visit mozilla.com/firefox to download) or Safari (visit http://www.apple.com/safari/download
to
download) or Google Chrome (visit www.google.com/chrome)
• Audio: Speakers and microphone or headset
If you have questions or need assistance, please visit help.flvs.net.
Communication Requirements
It is FLVS expectation that FLVS Flex teachers complete a Welcome Call with each student and attempt to contact
the parent of each student in the first several days of enrollment to establish a partnership leading to student
success.
Instructors will call and email, using the information provided by students and parents at registration, to attempt to
complete this communication. A student’s enrollment will not be permitted to remain active if the student does not
complete a course Welcome Call with the instructor.
Instructors will also contact students and attempt to contact parents as often as necessary to provide an update on
student course progress and grade.
Monday-Friday: Instructors will provide assignment feedback and assignment grades within 48 hours of an
assignment’s submission. Instructors will return written and phone contact from students and parents within 24
hours.
Emergency Plans
In the event of an emergency (such as hazardous weather conditions), FLVS will send all families a “must read”
Student Information System message explaining the details of the emergency, especially if it will result in the
closure of our main office. FLVS will also record a voicemail message announcing the details of the office closure
and the availability, or lack of availability, of teachers and other school services.
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Please note that the FLVS Virtual Learning Center (VLC) and our teachers may be located in places where
conditions are different from those in the student’s location. Such services may be occasionally interrupted when
school operations are running as usual or vice versa. Even if the VLC closes due to hazardous weather or other
emergencies, students not impacted should continue working in their courses.
Enrollment
FLVS will abide by all federal, state, and local policies and guidelines for student admission and will not impose
admission requirements that are inconsistent with these policies and guidelines.
At various times during the school year, to comply with mandated enrollment caps, state regulations and
reporting, and/or testing processes and requirements, FLVS may temporarily or permanently close courses to
new enrollments. Students and families will be notified of these changes when applicable.
Enrollment of Students Expelled from Another School Pre-
Expulsion
If a district has found probable cause for an expulsion / alternative placement but has offered the student an
alternative program, FLVS Flex may be utilized as a solution for providing instruction for said student. FLVS
reserves the right to deny enrollment depending on the nature of the misconduct that resulted in the student
being considered for expulsion.
Parents/Guardians must share with the FLVS school district if the student has experienced a previous school
expulsion. FS 1006.07 requires each student at the time of initial registration for school in the school district to note
previous school expulsions, alternative placements, arrests resulting in a charge, juvenile justice actions, and any
corresponding referral to mental health services by the school district, and have the authority as the district school
board of a receiving school district to honor the final order of expulsion or dismissal of a student by any in-state or
out-of-state public district school board or private school, or lab school, for an act which would have been grounds for
expulsion according to the receiving district school board’s code of student conduct, in accordance with the following
procedures:
1. A final order of expulsion shall be recorded in the records of the receiving school district.
2. The expelled student applying for admission to the receiving school district shall be advised of the final order
of expulsion.
3. The district school superintendent or CEO of the receiving school district may recommend to the district
school board that the final order of expulsion be waived and the student be admitted to the school district, or
that the final order of expulsion be honored and the student not be admitted to the school district. If the
student is admitted by the district school board, with or without the recommendation of the district school
superintendent, the student may be placed in an appropriate educational program and referred to mental
health services identified by the school district pursuant to s.1012.584(4), when appropriate, at the direction
of the district school board
FLVS Expulsion
If a student has been expelled from a public school, the Superintendent of the district may request that the student
be enrolled with FLVS prior to the student registering. All requests should be made to the FLVS Regional
Counselor and approved by the Director of Instruction. FLVS requires expulsion / disciplinary documents. FLVS
reserves the right to deny enrollment depending upon the nature of the misconduct that resulted in the student being
expelled. Should FLVS serve the student, FLVS reserves the right to serve the student without access to other
students or live lessons.
Please reference
FLVS policy 5610 - Removal, Out-of-School Suspension, Disciplinary Placement, and Expulsion of
Students
Homeschool Verification Form
Per FL statute 1002.37, Florida Virtual School Flex homeschool parent/guardians must verify FLVS course requests
and enroll their students as homeschool students in their local district. Parent/guardians will acknowledge the
student’s home school status during the parent/guardian enrollment verification. A pop-up box will appear asking the
parent if they have registered their student with the school district. If they have done so, they click “Accept,” if not,
parents need to register their student with the school district. Parents can find a list of district contacts that can be
found at https://www.flvs.net/student-resources/homeschool/district-contacts
.
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Eligibility, Residency, and Age
Initial Entry Requirements
FLVS Flex is a public-school program providing middle school curriculum to children of Florida residents at no
additional taxpayer expense. Florida law provides FLVS as a school choice option for parents and students. If the
course is appropriate for the student, the school or district may not deny access to the FLVS course. This is true even
if the course is offered at the student’s traditional school. Further information on this may be found on the FLDOE
website, Florida Virtual School. Students may enroll by going to www.flvs.net
.
Geographic Limitations
Students shall be considered Florida students and thus qualify for free access to FLVS courses if any of the following
criteria are met:
• Be enrolled in a Florida public/charter school, or
• Be enrolled and in good standing as a homeschool student with a Florida public school district, or
• Be enrolled in an affiliated Florida private school and whose legal guardian is a representative of the school or
a Florida resident, or
• Be the child of a parent who is stationed at a Florida military base (the legal guardian must be the person who
is stationed at the Florida military base), or the child of a parent stationed at a military base outside of Florida
but still maintains Florida residency.
Required Documents
Students enroll and request courses online. Parents of home education students must verify for each enrollment that
their student is registered with the Home Education office in the county in which they reside. This parent verification
is online and occurs during the course registration process for each enrollment. School counselor consent for the
course request(s) is the only requirement for FLVS Flex public/charter/private school students. Note that
parental/guardian involvement is expected and required to participate in FLVS courses. FLVS does also
request the student’s social security number to ensure unique identification. Please note that some agencies, for
example, Florida Bright Futures, require this number to apply for scholarships. FLVS uses all possible safeguards to
ensure this number is secure, including encryption in our database and masking to only display the last four digits.
Other Documentation
You may need to provide additional documentation if any of the following circumstances apply:
• Student Number Identifier, Florida: If your child previously attended a Florida public school or is attending
public school now (besides FLVS), we are required to use the same number for our state data reporting.
• Custody order: If your legal guardianship is determined by a court order, please submit a copy of the order.
This will ensure that proper contact is maintained, as FLVS does require that each instructor speaks with the
parent or guardian as often as necessary.
• IEP or 504 Plan: If a student has a disability or impairment, this must be indicated in the appropriate section
during registration and a copy of the most current IEP/504 Plan must be submitted directly to FLVS by the
student/family.
• Military orders: If you are enrolling your student under the exception for children of U.S. Armed Forces,
families must maintain Florida residency or provide appropriate military documentation, if requested.
Educational Opportunity for Military Children
For information on Educational Opportunity for Military Children, please reference FLVS policy 5111.02 – Educational
Opportunity for Military Children
Note: For FLVS Flex students, progression at FLVS is measured within the context of the course(s) taken at
FLVS. The district and school of enrollment determine all other progress of the student based on the
information contained below.
Proof of Residency (POR) - Florida Students
Proof of residency is a state requirement for homeschool/private school students enrolled in FLVS Flex courses.
Students will need to complete the proof of residency step to continue enrollment in courses. Homeschool and
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private school students registering for FLVS courses will be asked to provide proof of residency during the
registration process. Public and charter school students are not required to submit proof of residency.
Proof of Residency for Flex homeschool students
You will register for your courses as normal, however before parents approve courses in the Virtual School
Administrator (VSA) student information system, proof of residency will need to be submitted. Upon logging into VSA,
you will be prompted to upload your approved residency document (See Acceptable Forms of Proof of Residency
below). Parents can approve the courses and once the Florida residency is verified by FLVS staff, students will be
placed with teachers.
Proof of Residency for Private school students
You will register for your courses as normal but students are required to have POR approved before being placed in
a course. Once POR is verified, the enrollment will be moved to CRC and placed with an instructor. The course will
move to CRC status overnight after POR is verified. Please follow the steps provided below to upload your proof of
residency document:
• Log in to VSA
• Click on the menu bar at the top left-hand side of the page
• Click “Student Records”
• Click on “My Documents”
• Choose files to upload
• Please designate your file type as “Proof of Residence”
You are only required to submit ONE form of proof of residency unless otherwise requested by our Proof of
Residency Team. All documents must be in the name of the parent/guardian on the student’s account, must match
the physical address on the student’s account (PO boxes are not acceptable), and must be dated within 30 days from
course registration or newer. Below are the acceptable forms of proof of residency:
• Property appraiser tax statement
• Lease agreement with signatures, name of lessee, and contact information
• Mortgage statement
• Homeowner’s Insurance statement (must be dated within 12 months)
• Current Parent/Guardian Florida driver’s license or Florida identification card
• Vehicle Registration (must be dated within 12 months)
• Automobile insurance statement (must be dated within 6 months)
• Utility Bills - Gas, water, sewage, electric, cable/internet or home/cellular telephone bill (must be dated within
60 days)
*Dates listed above are based on the course registration date.
For military families, please upload your military orders along with one of the following documents:
• DD Form 2058
• State of Legal Residency Certificate
• Leave and Earning Statement (LES)
• Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) Form 702
Proof of Residency documents are reviewed and verified manually by our Proof of Residency Team. Please follow
the steps provided below to check your proof of residency status:
• Log in to VSA
• Click on the menu bar at the top left-hand side of the page
• Click “Student Records”
• Click on “Academic Profile”
• Scroll down to “Proof of Residency Status”
• Here you will see your “Verification Status” (Not Verified or Verified)
Please email our Proof of Residency Team at POR@flvs.net
to further discuss.
Additional information regarding eligibility, residency, and age requirements for enrolling in FLVS, please refer to the
FLVS district Student Progression Plan, published on our website
https://flvs.net/about/instruction/student-
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progression
.
Age Limitations
FLVS Flex will enroll students through age 19. The student's age on the date of the course enrollment may not be
older than 19. For the purposes of this policy, "date of course enrollment" refers to the date on which a complete
registration or course request for the course segment is made. Students must complete all coursework, including the
final exam, before their 21st birthday.
Any student enrolled in FLVS Flex who has an IEP (Individual Educational Plan) and has not yet earned a standard
diploma will need to work with their district of record to determine the policy outlined in their district’s ESE SP&P
(Special Policies and Procedures Manual) that has been approved by the Florida Department of Education for
providing services through age 22. FLVS will work with the student’s district of record to honor the policy in place.
FLVS will provide access of a student’s records to the parent of any student who is enrolled in our program after the
student turns 18 years of age. Students 18 years or older may submit a formal request specifically directing FLVS to
restrict his/her parent’s access.
Non-Discrimination Statement
FLVS is committed to educational and workplace equality. For details about our Non-Discriminatory Statement
please visit: F.S. 1000.05
Zero Tolerance for School-Related Violent Crime
Florida Virtual School, in accordance with state statute, Section 1006.13 F.S., has developed a Zero Tolerance
Policy, which can be found in the FLVS Code of Conduct published on our website at
https://www.flvs.net/about/instruction/policies
. The intent of this policy is to minimize the victimization of students,
staff, or volunteers, including taking all steps necessary to protect the victim of any violent crime from any further
victimization.
Student Emotional and Physical Safety
Required Training for School Staff
FLVS takes student safety and well-being very seriously and believes that students should be able to learn
in a safe and comfortable environment. Therefore, in addition to the comprehensive set of required courses
and trainings for school staff that focus on educational practices, teachers and staff also attend the Florida
Child Abuse Mandatory Reporting Training. This training provides teachers and staff with the resources
they need to recognize the signs of child abuse and how to report suspected cases of child abuse to the
Florida Department of Children and Families.
Child Abuse Reporting Policy
The Child Abuse Reporting Policy is available at https://www.flvs.net/about/ethical-conduct-for-flvs-
employees. For questions about this policy, contact info@flvs.net. All members of school staff are expected
to complete the training at least once every school year. The school leadership tracks and ensures all staff
completion of these trainings, and team members who do not complete the course in the required time frame
may be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with FLVS employment policies.
In addition, FLVS recognizes the importance of mental wellness. Pursuant to section (s.) 1012.584, Florida
Statutes (F.S.), FLVS provides continuing education and in-service training for youth mental health
awareness and assistance by utilizing the evidenced-based Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA)
training program YMHFA facilitates mental health literacy and gives adults the necessary skills to interact
with youth who are developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis, including
helping adults working with youth identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness.
FLVS believes that it is of the utmost importance that our faculty and staff are trained to respond to students and
situation which require immediate action to ensure that safety and well-being of our students and our communities.
Mental Health professionals are on staff to assist students in families cope with social, emotional, and mental health
needs. For more information contact studentservices@flvs.net
.
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FortifyFL
Florida Virtual School is a part of a statewide initiative called FortifyFL, an anonymous reporting app that
allows anyone to report a threat involving schools. Any student, educator, parent, or member of the
community can report school safety concerns directly to law enforcement and school administrators
anonymously and easily through the FortifyFL app or www.getfortifyfl.com.
The app, which is available for
download on Apple and Android mobile devices, is critical to ensuring all Florida schools are safe
environments where students and educators can experience and share the joy of learning without fear.
Let's Work Together to Keep Our Students Safe – If you See Something…Say Something!
Student Suicide Prevention, Awareness, and Screening
FLVS recognizes that suicide is one of the leading causes of death for Florida's youth. To address the prevalence of
student suicide, FLVS believes there must be a partnership among families, the community, and schools. It is critical
for families and community members to communicate with and provide information to FLVS staff to identify students
at risk of suicide.
FLVS will provide access to suicide prevention educational resources to all instructional and administrative staff as
part of FLVS's professional development program. The suicide educational resources will include material approved
by the Statewide Office for Suicide Prevention, the Florida Suicide Prevention Coalition, and the Coordinated School
Health Resource Center. FLVS's Student Services personnel will be responsible for providing suicide prevention,
awareness, and screening training and resources to students and staff.
All FLVS school personnel should be alert to signs of suicide ideation and to students who threaten or attempt
suicide. Suicide ideation is the process of fantasizing, planning, practicing, and motivating oneself to commit suicide.
Any such signs or the report of such signs from another student or staff member should be taken with the utmost
seriousness. Families, community members, and students are encouraged to report any such signs to the
principal/instructional leader.
Professional development training in youth suicide prevention shall be provided to Student Services personnel,
administration, and instructional staff. Further, additional professional development training regarding risk
assessment and intervention shall be provided to mental health counselors, school counselors, psychologists, and
school social workers.
Youth Suicide Awareness, Prevention, and Screening
A. Training - Two hours of continuing education training will be provided in the area of youth suicide awareness,
prevention, and screening, utilizing training materials from the list approved by the Florida Department of
Education (FLDOE). Instruction about how to identify appropriate mental health services and how to refer youth
and their families to those services shall be included in the program. The training shall be included in the
existing continuing education or in-service training requirements for instructional personnel.
B. Suicide Prevention Certified Schools - Any FLVS school that meets the following requirements shall be
considered a Suicide Prevention Certified School under Florida law:
• All instructional personnel at the school have participated in the two (2) hours of youth suicide
awareness, prevention, and screening training; and
• The school has at least two (2) school-based staff members certified or otherwise deemed competent
in the use of a suicide screening instrument approved by the FLDOE and has a policy to use such
suicide risk screening instrument to evaluate a student's risk before requesting the initiation of, or
initiating, an involuntary examination due to concerns about the student's suicide risk.
The President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will notify the FLDOE of all schools qualifying for this designation.
Each school shall also post on its own website whether it is a Suicide Prevention Certified School, and FLVS shall
post on its website a list of the Suicide Prevention Certified Schools.
Please reference FLVS policy 5350 – Student Suicide Prevention, Awareness, and Screening
Student Assistance Programs
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The FLVS Board of Trustees has adopted policies related to student conduct in the school setting and has authorized
disciplinary measures for the violation of these policies, in order to continuously promote the safety and well-being of
both staff and students and to maintain an environment conducive to learning.
FLVS seeks to maintain a balance between maintaining a proper educational environment and a compassion for
students who suffer from or are victims of severe, immoral, or illegal behavior. Social Emotional and Mental
Health programs have been established to promote healthy and productive living. Discipline shall be maintained to
protect students and staff from actions that disrupt teaching and learning. However, FLVS recognizes that students
may experience difficulties that educational programs and sound discipline may not prevent and that other forms of
assistance may be available through FLVS.
The President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is authorized to establish assistance programs for students which
provide for effective intervention in areas such as substance abuse, mental health, crisis situations, and other
situations which have an impact on students' emotional, mental, and/or social well-being and affect their ability to
benefit from educational experiences. Administrative procedures are to be prepared which will ensure that:
a. the rights of both parents and students are protected;
b. a Threat Assessment Team is established, which is chaired by the FLVS School Safety Specialist and includes
administrators, instructional staff school counselors, student services personnel and law enforcement;
c. staff members are properly trained and skilled for their roles and participate in ways that comply with their
certification or licensing and job description as well as with FLVS policies and administrative procedures; and
d. outside community resources and agencies are properly certified or licensed to provide services and have a
history of effective assistance.
Parental-Married Status of Students
For information on Parental-Married Status of Students, please reference FLVS policy 5751 – Parental-Married
Status of Students
Parent Rights
The Legislature finds that it is a fundamental right of parents to direct the upbringing, education, and care of their
minor children. The Legislature further finds that important information relating to a minor child should not be
withheld, either inadvertently or purposefully, from his or her parent, including information relating to the minor child's
health, well-being, and education, while the minor child is in the custody of the school district. All parental rights are
reserved to the parent of a minor child in this state without obstruction or interference from the state, any of its
political subdivisions, any other governmental entity, or any other institution, including, but not limited to, all the
following rights of a parent of a minor child in this state:
a. The right to direct the education and care of his/her minor child.
b. The right to direct the upbringing and the moral or religious training of his/her minor child.
c. The right, pursuant to s. 1002.20(2)(b) and (6), to apply to enroll his/her minor child in a public school or, as
an alternative to public education, a private school, including areligious school, a home education program,
or other available options, as authorized by law.
d. The right, pursuant to s. 1002.20(13), to access and review all school records relating to his/her minor child.
e. The right to make health care decisions for his/her minor child, unless otherwise prohibited by law.
f. The right to access and review all medical records of his/her minor child, unless prohibited by law or if the
parent is the subject of an investigation of a crime committed against the minor child and a law enforcement
agency or official requests that the information not be released.
g. The right to consent in writing before a biometric scan of his/her minor child is made, shared, or stored.
h. The right to consent in writing before any record of his/her minor child's blood or deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)
is created, stored, or shared, except as required by general law or authorized pursuant to a court order.
i. The right for no student of a public K-12 educational institution to be required, as a condition of enrollment, or
participation in any program, to refer to another person using a preferred personal title or pronoun that does
not correspond to that person’s sex.
j. The right for no student to be asked of his or her preferred personal titles or pronouns or penalized or
subjected to adverse or discriminatory treatment for not providing preferred personal titles or pronouns.
k. The right to consent in writing before the state or any of its political subdivisions makes a video or voice
recording of his/her minor child unless such recording is made during or as part of a court proceeding or is
FLVS Flex Student and Parent Handbook 2023-24
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made as part of a forensic interview in a criminal or Department of Children and Families investigation or is to
be used solely for the following:
1. A safety demonstration, including the maintenance of order and discipline in the common areas of a
school or on student transportation vehicles.
2. A purpose related to a legitimate academic or extracurricular activity.
3. A purpose related to regular classroom instructions.
4. Security or surveillance of buildings or grounds
Please reference FLVS policy 5780.01 Parents’ Bill of rights
FLVS Privacy
FERPA – Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
FLVS will abide by the student privacy guidelines set forth by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
(FERPA). The following persons have access to student records:
• FLVS Board of Trustee members
• President/CEO, administrative team, and professional school staff (teachers, school counselors, the
General Counsel)
• Appropriate administrative support staff members and other professionals who have a legitimate
educational or legal interest in student records as designated by the President/CEO.
FLVS provides a final grade report to the student's primary school of record upon completion of the online
course(s), or upon any request of the primary school and/or student's legal guardian. In accordance with state and
federal privacy laws, students who attain the age of 18 may transfer certain rights related to their academic
records. To learn more about this please contact your school counselor.
Some schools assign a lab facilitator to help students who use school labs to access FLVS courses. Facilitators
will have access to students' online work. Facilitators will not have access to students' demographic data.
No member of the FLVS staff is authorized to release student information without the written permission of the
student's legal guardian or without approval of the FLVS President/CEO.
FERPA maintains some exceptions that allow the release of Personally Identifying Information (PII) to partner
researcher organizations, for the purpose of improving instruction, without express consent. In some instances,
FLVS will partner with research institutions and enter into agreements under FERPA’s Studies Exception [see 20
U.S.C. 1232g(b)(1)(F) and 99.31(a)(6))]. Any researchers with access to PII via the Studies Exception enter into
a written agreement with FLVS and are also required to clear Level 2 background screening
(fingerprinting/criminal history) in accordance with state legislation [see 1012.465, F.S., 1012.467, F.S.,
1012.468 F.S.].
Names, images, and/or course work of FLVS students will not be published in print, video/film, or on our website
without written student and parent/guardian consent.
All FLVS students are provided a unique password to access online courses. It is the student's
responsibility to keep his/her password in confidence.
Statistical Information
FLVS uses Web statistic software to track visitors to our site, but this data does not include any personally
identifying information such as name or email address. Individual identifying information is not provided to any
other party without your consent, or as otherwise required by law. However, aggregated and anonymous data
about groups of members may be collected and shared with participating agencies and/or companies. An
example of such information might include, "X percent of visitors view our site between the hours of 7 and 9 p.m."
Security Information
All the data provided to FLVS is protected to ensure both the privacy and security of student data. FLVS uses
state-of-the art technology to keep personal information as secure as possible to ensure that no one will be able
to tamper with, intercept, or access data. Remember to keep account information private and secure; do not share
passwords with anyone!
Cookies
FLVS may, from time to time, use cookies when a student logs in to his/her account. These cookies allow FLVS to
remember the visit to its site. Although one cookie would reside on the computer so that FLVS can recognize the
user each time he/she visits the site, any session-specific cookies will expire once the browser is shut down.
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Student Records
Improper Use of School Records
Student directories, teacher's registers, class record books, registration cards, permanent records, and similar
school records shall not be used to provide information to any person outside the school staff, except as provided
in file JRA. The Permanent Cumulative Pupil Record, and file JRA, Directory Information, shall not be able to be
obtained without the permission of the Senior Director of Instruction or designee. Under no conditions shall the
names and addresses of students be given or sold to a private or commercial agency by the school or any school-
related group without School Board approval or for the purpose of providing District services with a contract
outlining provisions to protect the data from releasing student information outside the guidelines of the contract.
Legal Name of Student
A parent or any person who seeks to enroll a student under a name other than the legal name or seeks to change
the name of a student already enrolled shall be informed that the name of the student as recorded on the birth
certificate or other supporting evidence as prescribed in Section 1003.21, F.S., shall be used until a final court
order verifies a legal name change.
The Permanent Cumulative Pupil Record
A permanent cumulative record shall be maintained for each student who is enrolled in the district. State Board of
Education Rule 6A-1.0955 and Florida Statutes shall be followed when entering student information in the record,
including use of the prescribed forms.
• Personal identifiable records or reports of students may be released to persons or organizations without
the consent of the students or their agent(s) or legal guardian only as provided in Section 1002.22, F.S.
• Guidelines may be adopted by the school board to implement the recording and classifying of information.
• Copies of records of students withdrawing or enrolling in other public schools in the district or transferring
to another school within this state or out of this state shall be transferred to the enrolling schools upon
request from the receiving principal. The transfer of student records shall not be delayed for nonpayment
of a fee or fine assessed by the school.
Person Standing in Loco Parentis to Student
When students are under 18 years of age and do not reside with their parent(s), the parent(s) shall designate in
writing to the Principal/Instructional Leader the individual who stands in loco parentis to the student.
Access to Student Records
The following persons have access to student records: school board members, senior directors of Instruction
and staff, professional staff of the school, Records Management Team, clerical and secretarial staff designated
by the Instructional Leader/Principal, the parent or guardian of the student, an eligible student and other persons
authorized in writing by the parent/guardian or eligible student except in cases where other professionals have
legitimate educational or legal interest in student records as specified in the student record procedures.
In cases where a parent does not have custody, the Instructional Leader/Principal shall presume that the parent
has the right to inspect and review the records of the student unless the school has been provided with evidence
that there is a legally-binding instrument or court order which provides to the contrary. If any adult other than the
parent/guardian requests to access the student grades and coursework, then it is the responsibility of the custodial
parent/guardian to add the information to VSA.
Right to Contest the Contents of Student Records
The parent/guardian has the right to contest the contents of his/her child's record. This right shall provide for the
correction or deletion of any inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise inappropriate data. Procedures for challenging the
content of student records shall be developed as directed by the President/CEO.
Release of Student Discipline Records
In accordance with FERPA and the federal regulations issued pursuant to FERPA, an agency, as defined in s.
1002.22, or a public school, center, institution, or other entity that is part of Florida’s education system under
s. 1000.04(1), (3), or (4) may release a student’s education records without written consent of the student or
parent to parties to an interagency agreement among the Department of Juvenile Justice, the school, law
enforcement authorities, and other signatory agencies. The purpose of such an agreement and information
sharing is to reduce juvenile crime, especially motor vehicle theft, by promoting cooperation and collaboration
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and the sharing of appropriate information in a joint effort to improve school safety, to reduce truancy and in-
school and out-of-school suspensions, and to support alternatives to in-school and out of-school suspensions
and expulsions, which provide structured and well-supervised educational programs supplemented by a
coordinated overlay of other appropriate services designed to correct behaviors that lead to truancy,
suspensions, and expulsions and that support students in successfully completing their education.
Information provided in furtherance of an interagency agreement is intended solely for use in determining the
appropriate programs and services for each juvenile or the juvenile’s family, or for coordinating the delivery of the
programs and services, and as such is inadmissible in any court proceeding before a dispositional hearing unless
written consent is provided by a parent or other responsible adult on behalf of the juvenile.
FLVS Code of Conduct
FLVS Student Conduct of Conduct Philosophy and Overview
Florida Virtual School expects students to conduct themselves as appropriate for their levels of development,
maturity, and demonstrated capabilities with a proper regard for the rights and welfare of other students and
school staff, the educational purpose underlying all school activities, and the care of school facilities and
equipment.
The FLVS school district believes that standards for student behavior must be set cooperatively through interaction
among the students, parents/legal guardians, staff, and community members producing an atmosphere that
encourages students to grow in self-discipline. The development of this atmosphere requires respect for self and
others, as well as for district and community property on the part of students, staff, and community members. Since
students learn by example, school administrators, faculty, staff, and volunteers will demonstrate appropriate
behavior, treat others with civility and respect, and refuse to tolerate bullying or harassment. All FLVS students are
expected to follow the expectations of the student code of conduct. Disciplinary responses outlined in the code of
conduct will apply to FLVS Full-Time students as FLVS is the school/district of record for these students. For Flex
students, disciplinary response may include but is not limited to withdrawal from current course(s) and/or the inability
to register for new FLVS courses for a period of time.
FLVS staff members seek to maintain orderly conduct among Kindergarten-12 students in all FLVS programs to
create a safe and positive learning environment. Although most programs are delivered online, from time to time
school-sponsored events are planned, therefore a comprehensive Code of Conduct was written to address the
behavioral expectations for students in both virtual and face-to-face settings. The Code of Conduct operates in
conjunction with the FLVS Student Handbook and provides information that both parents/guardians and students
should read when entering an FLVS program and review annually.
Four levels of behavioral offenses and possible disciplinary responses are listed, followed by additional policies
regarding student behavioral expectations. FLVS reserves the right to determine appropriate consequences to be
imposed upon a student for any infraction of the Code of Conduct, including misconduct not specifically listed. FLVS
reserves the right to amend the content in this handbook at any time throughout the school year, without notice.
FLVS also will comply with discipline regulations for students with disabilities in conjunction with Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
For additional information, please visit our Code of Conduct on our website at
https://www.flvs.net/about/instruction/policies
.
FLVS and Investigations Involving Students
For information on Investigations Involving Students, please reference FLVS policy 5540 – The Schools
Investigations Involving Students.
Student Standards for Participation in Interscholastic and
Intrascholastic Extracurricular Student Activities (Craig
Dickinson Act)
Interscholastic extracurricular student activities are an important complement to the academic curriculum.
Participation in a comprehensive extracurricular and academic program contributes to student development of the
social and intellectual skills necessary to become a well-rounded adult. Please see F.S.1006.15 - Craig Dickinson Act
for more details.
Home Education Student Eligibility
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A home education student is eligible to participate in the interscholastic extracurricular activities at the public school
that he/she would be assigned to attend based on a district's attendance area policies and meets the requirements of
the home education program described in F.S.1002.41 - Home education programs.
Any public school or nonpublic
school student who has been unable to maintain academic eligibility for participation in interscholastic extracurricular
activities is ineligible to participate as a home education student until the student has successfully completed one
grading period in home education, fulfilling the requirements for interscholastic extracurricular eligibility,
F.S.1006.15 -
Craig Dickinson Act, to become eligible to participate as a home education student.
Student Athlete Eligibility
The term “eligible to participate” is defined to include student participating in tryouts, off-season conditioning, summer
workouts, preseason conditioning, in-season practice, or contests. Term does not mean student must be placed on
any specific team. Technical changes to homeschool, and charter school student participation can be found at
F.S.1002.31 - Controlled open enrollment; Public school parental choice
.
In order to participate in interscholastic, extracurricular student activities, per F.S.1002.3105(5) - ACCEL or
F.S.1003.4282 - Requirements for a standard high school diploma. A student must:
• maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above on a 4.0 scale, or its equivalent, in the courses required by statute
for high school graduation F.S.1002.3105(5) - ACCEL or
F.S.1003.4282 - Requirements for a standard high
school diploma.
• must fulfill the requirements of an academic performance contract between the student, the district school
board, the appropriate governing association, and the student's parents. If the student's cumulative GPA falls
below 2.0, or its equivalent, on a 4.0 scale in courses required for high school graduation specified in the above
statute, then at a minimum, the contract must require that the student attend summer school, or its grade
equivalent, between grades 9 and 10 or grades 10 and 11, as necessary.
• must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above on a 4.0 scale, or its equivalent, in the courses required for high
school graduation, specified in F.S.1002.3105(5) - ACCEL, or
F.S.1003.4282 - Requirements for a standard
high school diploma during his/her junior or senior year.
• must maintain satisfactory conduct, including adherence to appropriate dress and other codes of student
conduct policies described in
F.S.1006.07 - District school board duties relating to student discipline and school
safety. If a student is convicted of, or is found to have committed, a felony or a delinquent act that would have
been a felony if committed by an adult, regardless of whether adjudication is withheld, the student’s
participation in interscholastic extracurricular activities is contingent upon established and published district
school board policy.
A public school or private school student who has been unable to maintain academic eligibility for participation in
interscholastic extracurricular activities is ineligible to participate in such activities as a Florida Virtual School student
until the student successfully completes one grading period in the Florida Virtual School pursuant to paragraph (a) (see
Policy 16.3.5.1 Requirements for Participation
).
For specifics related to this statute, visit F.S.1006.15 - Craig Dickinson Act.
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Appendix A: Refund Request Form
Clubs and Activities Kindergarten-12 (FLVS Flex and FLVS Full Time)
Clubs, Activities, Field Trip, Competition, t-shirt, awards, graduation, Etc.
Club Sponsor/Instructor/IL:
Name of Club/Activity:
Date of Field Trip:
Short Description: (reason of refund)
Amount of money to refund per person —
If multiple people, please attach a document with the
following information:
OSP link used when money was collected:
Club Sponsor/Instructor/IL signature: Date: _
Activities Coordinator signature: _ Date:_
Account Strip Code (will be filled out by
Activities Coordinator)
FLVS.net | info@flvs.net | 800.374.1430 | 5422 Carrier Drive Suite 200, Orlando, FL 32819
