Welcome to Biology A!

You have now entered the Michigan Virtual School doors of online learning. This experience will better prepare
you for the future by giving you access to learning anytime, anywhere, at your convenience.

Please realize that this course is set up with Adaptive Release. Students will need to complete one unit before
they will have access to the next. Also, please remind students that I do not expect them to be using any
outside resources while taking exams. Hand written notes are fine with me, but definitely not the textbook or
other internet sources.

Again, welcome, and please do not hesitate to contact me with questions or concerns!
Course and Biology A is an 18 week course beginning on September 2, 2014 and ending on January 23, 2015.
Textbook The textbook for this course is an etextbook. Directions for obtaining access to this textbook can
found by clicking the Etextbook link within the course.
Information
To log on, go to: http://bb.mivu.org. Your username and password was (or will be) provided to
your school or homeschool mentor during the enrollment process.
To begin your work: Read the first announcements completely. You will begin working under the
Start Here link where you will complete the First Assignment .
Teacher Contact Mrs. Kristi Peacock
Information kpeacock@mivu.org
Office: 517-324-5353
Cell: 231-450-0469
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00am – 5:00 pm. I am here to support you in any way I can;
feel free to call or text my cell phone after office hours.
What you can To assist you in your online studies, you can expect me to:
expect from me - Be online to answer any messages Monday through Friday during school days. I will not be
online at the same time that you are, but will answer your questions within 24 hours Monday
(your online through Friday.
teacher) - Grade your submitted assignments within 72 hours. (M-F)
- Send out progress reports a minimum of two times each semester to mentor teachers.
Students: In order to successfully complete this class I will need your help. I expect that you will:
what I expect from - Attend your online class every day for at least one hour per day Monday through Friday.
- Read the classroom announcements every day.
you - Complete assignments in order according to the Pacing Guide.
- Print off a copy of your Pacing Guide (attached) and keep it in a notebook that you bring
everyday to class.
- Print off a copy of My Grades every Friday for your mentor to track your progress.
- Ask questions of me immediately if you need assistance by sending me a “Message” within the
Message Area.
- Contact the Michigan Virtual School HELP Desk immediately if you have technology issues by
sending an email to: mivuhelp@mivu.org or calling: 888.889.2840.
Mentors: Veteran mentors have success asking students to turn in a printed version of their “My Grades”
important every week. I have attached a pacing guide for this course to this email for you to keep an eye on
your student’s progress.
information and Visit the MVS Mentor Resources Website (www.mivhs.org/mentor) for resources and helpful tips.
tips for success - Scroll down on the main page to find examples of student contracts that you can print off and
use or alter to suit your own needs in your building.
- Reference the links to the right for great resources such as a video that outlines the role of the
mentor and the role of the student.
Final grade certificates can be printed off in the CEMS website.
Remember that you do not have to be experts in the content area, direct students to contact their
online instructor for help with the content. For any technical help, please contact the Michigan
Virtual School HELP Desk immediately by sending an email to: mivuhelp@mivu.org or calling:
888.889.2840.