Guidance & Counseling FAQs

The elementary and middle school students each have one school counselor. Elementary students see Mr. Young. Mrs. Ruhle is the middle school student counselor. High school students are assigned by last name. Students with a last name that begins with A–K see Mrs. French. Students with an L–Z last name go to Ms. Lenhart.

The easiest way to set up a meeting with your student’s school counselor is through the counselor appointment links.

• Nick Young, grades K–5
• Jennifer Ruhle, grades 6–8
• Brittany French, grades 9–12, student last names A–K
• Chelsea Lenhart, grades 9–12, student last names L–Z

We encourage learning coaches and parents to talk with teachers about any student’s difficulties with a class to determine weaknesses and problem areas. After talking with the teacher, parents may want to schedule a meeting with the school counselor to explore the services available to support the student’s needs.

Learning coaches can access a Schoology portal to view classes, grades, and assignments. For Edgenuity, learning coaches also have an observer account to view courses and grades. They also receive weekly updates sent by email.

Teachers are the best source of information if there are any questions about grades. The best way to contact a teacher is by email.

We encourage learning coaches and parents to communicate with teachers about the student’s progress. You may accomplish this by arranging a meeting with one or more of your child’s teachers and/or school counselor to monitor progress, or through email as well as telephone conferences. You may also monitor assignment completion and academic grades by checking Grade Book in your child’s individual courses regularly and by remaining current with messages you receive through the Learning Coach Portal. Learning coaches and parents will also find it helpful to attend Learning Coach groups offered regularly by the Family Engagement Office and to attend meet-ups and special programs offered periodically by GCVS to further strengthen the home-school collaboration.

Parents may contact the school counselor to request counseling and guide students to more productive actions at school and home and assist students in problem solving. Counselors at all levels assist students with complex problems that may impact their academic, social, and personal development. You are welcome to call our office or email or call your child’s counselor directly to schedule a meeting time.

Schooling at a virtual school definitely looks a lot different than at a traditional brick and mortar school! There will be a transition time when students first come to GCVS and they are figuring out a new system that works. Below are some tips to help ensure as smooth a transition as possible.

• Create structure.
  Make sure your child has a dedicated workspace specifically for school. This workspace will look different for different students. Some students do better in environments that are more quiet and removed (such as a desk in a dedicated office space); other students are more successful in “busier” parts of the house (such as a table in the kitchen).
• Have a schedule
  Most students will have time during their school day when they are not in live classes. The most successful students have schedules detailing what activities they will be working on during these times. The schedule should include time for independent coursework for classes as well as a couple of breaks throughout the day.
• Plan check-in times with the student and the learning coach.
  Students with an active and engaged learning coach (LC) often have an easier transition to GCVS. Students and LCs need to have open communication in case questions or concerns arise spontaneously throughout the day. It is also vital for students and LCs to have some planned times that they will specifically check in regarding coursework. Sometimes this is structured as a “check-in” and “check-out” process, where the LC checks in at the beginning of the school day, ensuring the student understands the schedule for that day and knows what they have for independent coursework. Then the student checks out with the LC at the end of their school day, and the LC verifies that the student has completed all their independent coursework.

Students can fill out this survey if they want to join a club. Club advisors will contact students with an invitation to join the club.

Below is a list of the credits required for high school graduation from GCVS. Students must earn all credits from high school level (or higher) classes. It is important to know that different high schools can have other graduation requirements, so requirements at your in-town high school may look different.

• English: 4 credits
• Math: 4 credits (Students must take Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, and one additional math class.)
• Science: 3 credits
• History: 3 credits (Students must take at least one credit of US History and one credit of World History.)
• World Language: 2 credits (Both credits must be of the same language.)
• Physical Education: 2 credits
• Arts: 1 credit
• Electives: 3–5 credits (Students must earn at least three credits from at least five different electives.)

At GCVS, most year-long classes are worth one (1) credit, and most semester-long classes are worth .5 credits.

Students and/or learning coaches can also set up an individual meeting with their school counselor to complete a student credit review.