My Forsyth _ Spring 2023

"As families departed for
the afternoon, students
left smiling from ear to
ear. They each left feeling
a part of something
special, knowing that they
each are part of what
makes this program so
exceptional."
with family members, and then a very welltrained
dog, Hallie, imitated how to get low
and get outside as soon as possible. Students
participated in a lively question and answer
session, and even at one point sang along with
the vivacious dragon puppet.
After this, classes were taken into a game
room lit up with neon lights and coming
alive with techno music and the laughter of
children, as visiting high school students
helped to guide the elementary students in how
to battle one another in video games. Students
experimented with various video games, and
parents chatted about a current program that
incorporates computer science, the gaming
club at Forsyth Virtual Academy. Students
also learned about a future opportunity of
participating in the e-sports teams when they
get older. Even the kindergarteners were able
to get hands-on training into how to make
their own avatars and participate in multiplayer
video games.
Finally, students returned to their home
classrooms with their virtual teachers for some
face-to-face fun. They played themed stemgames
and celebrated Dr. Seuss’s birthday,
complete with a rainbow birthday cake and a
funny taste test that went along with the story
Green Eggs and Ham. Students tasted things
that were sour, salty, and sweet, and practiced
using their sensory vocabulary to describe their
experience. Last, they ended their days with
a read aloud of Dr. Seuss’s books and crafts/
activities that incorporated his characters.
As families departed for the afternoon,
students left smiling from ear to ear. They
each left feeling a part of something special,
knowing that they each are part of what
makes this program so exceptional. At Forsyth
Virtual Academy, the teachers go above and
beyond to be able to not only meet the needs
of their students, but to create a sense of shared
community. Whether through the screen in a
whole group live lesson, in a breakout room for
a small group session or individual conference,
or face-to-face at an incredible event, students
are bound to have a meaningful experience and
create lasting memories.
Ayumi Bryan, Ed.S. is an Assistant Administrator at Academies for Creative Education,
Forsyth Virtual Academy. JoriAnna Gibson is an elementary school teacher at ACE, FVA.
Parents who are curious about
the virtual learning that goes
on at Forsyth Virtual Academy
are welcome to reach out
and ask questions. Students
are being enrolled on an
ongoing basis for the 2023-
2024 school year, and space
is still available to become a
part of the student body and
have the opportunity to join
in at all of our fun adventures.
Please visit our website at
www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/fva
for more information about
our K-5 and 6-12 programs
that are available as a part
of your child’s Forsyth County
public school education.
SPRING 2023 | MYFORSYTHMAG.COM 45