PARENT – TEAM SUPPORT PROGRAM – 05.18.12

Beacon Academy of Nevada, where Nevada’s students come to earn their free online high school diploma, is pleased to announce a new free parent and teen support program beginning in June.

Don’t let a problem or issue with your teen go on when positive and meaningful help is available.

This new program, conducted in partnership with Action Parent / Teen Support Group (a non-profit organization), is specifically designed to help teens and parents with challenges or issues they may be facing or experiencing.

Here are a few key assurances of the program:

•       There is no commitment to any long term involvement.  Teens and or parents can attend one time, or as many times as they want.  Each meeting is short, focused and helpful in resolving conflicts, encouraging positive communication, addressing anger and use of substances, and many other interesting and valuable topics to teens and parents.

•       The program is totally free.  Beacon Academy of Nevada is providing the facilities for the meetings.

•       The program is very confidential.  Each person who attends is assured that no information or discussion will be provided to anyone, EVER.

•       Each meeting is short.  Meetings will last no more than 90 minutes and contain valuable information and strategies for more effective living.

•       Letting us know you are interested or planning to attend is appreciated.  It is great if we know you are planning to attend.

If you have other questions about the program, you can get those answered if you let us know you are interested in attending.   All you do is call (702) 483-3628 then attend at the next Tuesday at 7:00 pm. The first meeting is scheduled for JUNE 5th.  That’s it!

Beacon Academy of Nevada is committed to helping teen and parents through this interesting, new, and totally free program.

If you have other questions, do not hesitate to give the program number a call!

We care.  We want to help.  We look forward to seeing you!

Today’s high school students have a choice on the terms of their education – chose Beacon Academy of Nevada!   Whether you live Clark County, Nye County, White Pine County, Lincoln County, Esmeralda County or Mineral County or anywhere else in Nevada, we are your Nevada Online High School.

If this type of program is something that makes you rethink high school and you want to try a new innovative way to earn your high school diploma, check us out.  Here are some helpful links:

Enroll Now for Summer School 2012 – Click HERE
Read our Blog – Click HERE
Enroll Now for Fall 2011-2012 – Click HERE
Why Enroll at Beacon Academy – Click HERE
Learn About High School From Home – Click HERE
Frequently Asked Questions – Click HERE
Upcoming Events – Click HERE

Jill Nestor
Social Worker
Beacon Academy of Nevada
Nevada’s Online High School

Posted in Social Services Sector | Leave a comment

Upcoming End of Year Events – 05.17.12

Students attending Beacon Academy of Nevada attend online high school classes for free.  They are free because Beacon Academy is a state charter online high school.  The student graduation requirements are the same for us as they are any school in the state of Nevada whether the live in Clark County, Nye County, White Pine County, Lincoln County, Esmeralda County or Mineral County.  This means that our students can earn their free online high school diploma when they graduate from Beacon Academy.  However, Beacon Academy is much more than academics.  We also offer our students many activities and opportunities for fun and social interaction.

Las Vegas-Our Night of Enchantment Prom will be held on Friday May 25th.  If you did not buy your tickets during the pre-sale they will be $30 at the door.

Graduation is scheduled for June 16th in Las Vegas.  We will have a photographer there to take pictures of the ceremony and Cap and Gown portraits.  You must have a Beacon Academy cap and gown to participate. Please contact Mrs. Cherry for any graduation questions.

Yearbooks are still on sale for $30; you can order your yearbook in person at both Beacon Academy offices.

Be sure to check out the calendar and all of the announcements on Blackboard for ALL of the upcoming events and clubs!

Do these activities sound like something you would like to do?  Are you looking for a different way to earn your FREE Nevada High School Diploma?  For information on Beacon Academy, check out the links below:

Now Enrolling For Summer School – Click HERE
Now Enrolling For Fall Semester – Click HERE
Why Enroll at Beacon Academy – Click HERE
Frequently Asked Questions – Click HERE
Learn About High School From Home – Click HERE
Wonder Why You Should Enroll – Click HERE
Read our Blog – Click HERE

Lenna Cherry
Student Events and Attendance
Beacon Academy of Nevada
Nevada’s Online High School

Posted in Activities Center | Leave a comment

Scholarship Information – 05.16.12

Juniors and Seniors of Beacon Academy of Nevada, online free charter school from home, it’s not too late to find money for college!  This month’s scholarship bulletin was emailed to student’s school email accounts recently.  This monthly bulletin is put together by the school counselor so that students can look through it and apply to any and all scholarships that they may qualify for.

Why are scholarships important?  Scholarships are important because first, after you earn your free online high school diploma, they help students find money to help pay for college during a time when college is often times thought unreachable due to the expense.  In today’s society, many families struggle to make it each month.  Many luxuries are given up or overlooked.  Some families unfortunately view college or higher education as a luxury and thus unattainable for some students because working to help support the family is a necessity just to survive. In reality, higher education is absolutely a necessity in order to obtain successful jobs that will pay enough to survive.  Every scholarship a student is awarded is less money out of the students or families pocket and less in financial aid the student will need to borrow.  Those determined students who search for scholarships and take the initiative to apply will find scholarships that they qualify for. Sadly, many scholarships are going unused because students don’t apply either out of fear of rejection or simply not knowing.  I like to tell my students that even if they think they won’t get it they should still apply because what if no one else applies and they were the only one too. If they don’t apply they’ll never know.

Secondly, applying for scholarships also teaches students to follow directions and write on a given topic – a topic that is often about themselves or their viewpoint.  Some may ask why is being able to follow directions and write on a given topic important?  This is important because throughout life, students will be faced with writing tasks given by employers, coworkers, future professors, and even friends and family all of which will expect the student to produce a knowledgeable piece of writing that discusses what was asked.  These tasks aren’t always meant to be hard or severely challenging but often simple and to aid in something that is going on at work, in school or in life; something as simple as a blog for example.  Not challenging but very thought provoking and meant to reach many families of potential students.  If the student learns to do this effectively early on, then later in life these small tasks won’t be daunting and can easily be completed.

So how can Beacon Academy of Nevada help students with this?  First, each month the counselor provides a monthly scholarship bulletin that is full with current and future scholarships which include deadlines for any and all students to look through and apply for – this is the starting point for students looking for ways to pay for college.  This bulletin also contains information from all of the major colleges and community colleges in Nevada regarding scholarships as well.  Secondly, the academic courses that students will take throughout their high school career and especially with Beacon Academy of Nevada will challenge them to write properly and effectively on any given topic.

Closing comments for this week include: scholarships are essentially free money for students who take the initiative and apply.  By applying for scholarships, students will also build upon already instilled lifelong skills that are necessary throughout life to be a successful, thriving individual.  After you earn your free online high school diploma here in Nevada, you will want to have received these scholarships and applied them to your college years as you expand your education.  Remember, we take students from across the state of Nevada so whether you live in Clark County, Nye County, White Pine County, Lincoln County, Esmeralda County or Mineral County you can take your accredited online high school classes with Beacon Academy.

For those of you who are not seniors, stay focused, finish out the school year with a flourish and get ready to enjoy your summer.  If you need to make up some classes, we are offering summer school.  For more information click on the link below:

For more information on Beacon Academy, check out our website.

Here are some useful websites:

To Enroll for Summer School – Click HERE
To Enroll For Fall 2012 – Click HERE
Why Enroll at Beacon Academy – Click HERE
Frequently Asked Questions – Click HERE
Learn About High School From Home – Click HERE
Check out our Blog – Click HERE

Amanda Cook
Academic Counselor
Testing Coordinator
Beacon Academy of Nevada
Nevada’s Online High School

Posted in Counselor's Corner | Leave a comment

Is Beacon Academy of Nevada Right for You? – 05.15.12

Find Out if You Have the Five Qualities of a Successful Beacon Academy Student.

Before you enroll and take accredited online high school courses through Beacon Academy of Nevada, a public Nevada statewide high school online, check to make sure Beacon Academy of Nevada is really right for you.  Earning a Nevada online high school diploma can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience but Beacon Academy of Nevada is not for everyone.  While some people thrive on the independence and freedom offered through the virtual world of online high school education, others find themselves regretting their decision and wishing they had enrolled at a traditional brick and mortar school instead.

Successful and happy Beacon Academy students have a few characteristics in common when it comes to taking accredited online high school courses.  Compare yourself to the following list to determine whether or not an accredited online high school is a good fit for your personality and habits.

  1. Successful Beacon Academy online high school students do just as well, if not better, without people looking over their shoulders. While some people need teachers to keep them motivated and on-track, distance learners are able to motivate them.  They realize that they will probably never be face-to-face with the people who give them assignments and grade their work, but they don’t need others to encourage them.  The most successful students are self-motivated and set their own goals.
  2. Successful Beacon Academy virtual online high school students never (or at least rarely) procrastinate.  You will rarely find them putting off assignments or waiting until the last moment to write their papers.  These students enjoy the freedom of working at their own pace and appreciate the ability to complete their work on time instead of waiting for an entire class.  However, they understand that putting off their work too often can end up adding months, if not years, to their studies.
  3. Successful Beacon Academy online high school students should have good reading comprehension skills.  While most people learn by listening to lectures and taking notes, the majority of distance learners are expected to master material through reading alone.  Although some distance learning courses offer video recordings and audio clips, most programs require that students understand a large amount of information that is only available through written text. These students are able to comprehend texts at the college level without the direct guidance of a teacher.
  4. Successful Beacon Academy online high school students can resist constant distractions.  Whether it’s the phone ringing off the hook, the kids screaming in the kitchen, or the allure of the television, everyone faces distractions.  Successful students know how to filter out the constant disturbances that threaten their progress.  They feel comfortable turning down an invitation or letting the machine or voice mail pick up the phone when they know there is homework to be done and an accredited online high school diploma to achieve.
  5. Successful Beacon Academy online high school students feel alright about missing out on some of the social elements of traditional schools.  Sure, they realize that they’ll miss out on a few things, but they’re convinced that the independence is absolutely worth it.  Whether they’re mature adult learners who aren’t interested in the fraternity hype, or younger students who get their socialization from extracurricular activities elsewhere, they are comfortable with their current social situation. In place of classroom discussion, they explore the issues with their peers through email and message boards or discuss what they’re learning with spouses or coworkers.

If you have few of the qualities of these successful Beacon Academy students, you may want to reconsider applying at Beacon Academy of Nevada.  Remember that online learning is not for everyone and, while it is an excellent choice for some, others will always struggle with online independent study.  But, if, after comparing your personality and habits to those of our successful Beacon Academy students, you’ve discovered that you have a lot in common, then an accredited online high school education at Beacon Academy of Nevada may be the perfect option for you.

To learn more about Distance Learning at Beacon Academy of Nevada, a state-wide online public charter high school and to consider earning your free online high school diploma, click on the links below:

Enroll Now For Fall 2012 – Click HERE
Enroll for Summer School – Click HERE
Why Enroll at Beacon Academy – Click HERE
Learn About High School From Home – Click HERE
Frequently Asked Questions – Click HERE
Wonder Why You Should Enroll – Click HERE

James Karas
Tech Support
Beacon Academy of Nevada
Nevada’s Online High School

Posted in Tech Tips | Leave a comment

Beacon Academy of Nevada is a Charter School Designed to Help Students with Non-traditional Needs. 05.14.12

The majority of students who leave high school before graduation do so for reasons that have little to do with academics – and a great deal to do with their own life circumstances, including  priorities and activities that conflict with the traditional school day.  Beacon Academy of Nevada is a virtual online state sponsored charter school which serves all counties within Nevada such as Clark County, Nye County, Lincoln County, and Esmeralda County.  Beacon Academy offers students the choice of a full-time online program that provides the freedom and flexibility of time and place to complete their free online high school diploma.

Beacon Academy is unique in the support that is provided to students through online communications with teachers, a mentor assigned to each student, tutoring, and social service resources.  We know from experience that students who receive the right structure and support can excel in online learning environment.

Our teachers and mentors are proactive and work to engage and support the student.  Beacon Academy also works with students and their families to identify social service needs, and if needed, we provide the therapeutic services and counseling students may require to be successful.  Students work with Beacon Academy teachers, mentors and staff to learn the required curriculum as well as time management, self-discipline, and study skills, which will help them succeed now and after high school.  Beacon Academy of Nevada provides students with a winning combination of state-of-the-art technology in our teaching and learning environment, and the human element of wrap around services that support student success.

For more information about Beacon Academy, check out the following links:

Why Enroll at Beacon
Frequently Asked Questions
Student Support Services
Clubs
Courses Offered

Beacon Academy of Nevada
Nevada’s Online High School

Posted in Academic Angle | Leave a comment

SENIOR CATCH UP DAY AT BEACON ACADEMY! – 05.11.12

Hello Beacon Academy of Nevada Seniors!
Congratulations! You are VERY close to obtaining your free online High School Diploma!  If you are starting to feel stressed out about your grades and completing all of your assignments by the end of the year, have no fear! Beacon Academy of Nevada is here to help!  We are offering SENIOR CATCH-UP help EVERY FRIDAY until the end of the year in the Beacon Academy office in Las Vegas.  We will be available to help you develop a catch- up plan as well as one-on-one tutoring from 9am-4pm.  If you have a child, please don’t hesitate to bring them with you! We will help babysit while you complete your assignments.

We look forward to seeing you all on Friday!

Today’s high school students have a choice on the terms of their education – chose Beacon Academy of Nevada!   Whether you live in Nye County, Lincoln County, Esmeralda County, Douglas County or anywhere else in Nevada, we are your Nevada Online High School.

If you are tired of the routine of a brick and mortar school and would like to try a new innovative way to earn your high school diploma, check us out.  Here are some helpful links:

Enroll Now for Summer School 2012 – Click HERE
Read our Blog – Click HERE
Enroll Now for Fall 2011-2012 – Click HERE
Why Enroll at Beacon Academy – Click HERE
Learn About High School From Home – Click HERE
Frequently Asked Questions – Click HERE
Upcoming Events – Click HERE

Jill Nestor
Social Worker
Beacon Academy of Nevada
Nevada’s Online High School

Posted in Social Services Sector | Leave a comment

Upcoming End of Year Events – 05.10.12

Students attending Beacon Academy of Nevada attend online high school classes for free.  They are free because Beacon Academy is a state charter online high school.  The student graduation requirements are the same for us as they are any school in the state of Nevada.  This means that our students can earn their free online high school diploma when they graduate from Beacon Academy.  We support students across the state of Nevada whether they live in Clark County, Nye County, Lincoln County, Esmeralda County, or Mineral County.  However, Beacon Academy is much more than academics.  We also offer our students many activities and opportunities for fun and social interaction.

Hey Las Vegas! Our Night of Enchantment Prom will be held on Friday May 25th.  If you did not buy your tickets during the pre-sale they will be $30 at the door.

Your Beacon Academy yearbooks are still on sale for $30; you can order your yearbook in person at both Beacon offices. We should have the yearbooks in house no later than May 20th.

Graduation is scheduled for June 16th in Las Vegas.  We will have a photographer there to take pictures of the ceremony and Cap and Gown portraits.  You must have a Beacon Academy cap and gown to participate.  Please contact Mrs. Cherry for any graduation questions.

Be sure to check out the calendar and all of the announcements on Blackboard for ALL of the upcoming events and clubs!

Do these activities sound like something you would like to do?  Are you looking for a different way to earn your FREE Nevada High School Diploma?  For information on Beacon Academy, check out the links below:

Now Enrolling For Summer School – Click HERE
Now Enrolling For Fall Semester – Click HERE
Why Enroll at Beacon Academy – Click HERE
Frequently Asked Questions – Click HERE
Learn About High School From Home – Click HERE
Wonder Why You Should Enroll – Click HERE
Read our Blog – Click HERE

Lenna Cherry
Student Events and Attendance
Beacon Academy of Nevada
Nevada’s Online High School

Posted in Activities Center | Leave a comment

Seniors and End of School Year – 05.09.12

With only 3 1/2 weeks to go until the semester is over it is very important that students of Beacon Academy, a free online public charter school, buckle down and continue working hard in their classes.  For one population this could be the difference between graduating or not.  With the end in sight, seniors need to push through these last few weeks and ensure that they pass their classes. We don’t want any senior to not pass because they failed to turn in necessary assignments.

It’s during these last few weeks that reality sinks in for many students, especially seniors.  They have a few flashbacks of fun times at the Beacon Academy events like Prom or the many bowling days.  High school may only be 4 years but the memories will last a life time.  That is why it is important for all students to continue working hard so that 5 years from now they can look back and be proud of their academic performance and not sad because they wished they had done better.  If current reality is that students wish they had done better than a perfect opportunity to achieve this is through the Beacon Academy Summer School program!

On top of working through classes it is also important for seniors to finalize their plans for after high school.  By now seniors should have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), completed a few college applications and hopefully received acceptance letters.  If these steps haven’t happened it’s not too late.  There is still time to complete the FAFSA and submit college applications to start in the fall.  The deadline for fall college enrollment is usually June 1st but varies by college.  So there is still time!

For those of you who are not seniors, stay focused, finish out the school year with a flourish and get ready to enjoy your summer.  If you need to make up some classes, we are offering summer school.  For more information click on the link below.

For more information on Beacon Academy, your Nevada Online High School, check out our website.

Here are some useful websites:

To Enroll for Summer School – Click HERE
To Enroll For Fall 2012 – Click HERE
Why Enroll at Beacon Academy – Click HERE
Frequently Asked Questions – Click HERE
Learn About High School From Home – Click HERE
Check out our Blog – Click HERE

Amanda Cook
Academic Counselor
Testing Coordinator
Beacon Academy of Nevada
Nevada’s Online High School

Posted in Counselor's Corner | Leave a comment

10 Ways Get Help from Your Online Instructors or Teachers – 05.08.12

Inter-acting with virtual online high school teachers can be daunting.  Often, virtual communication is more difficult than a face-to-face meeting.  However, there’s no need to fear.  Follow these ten suggestions and you will be able to get the help you need to earn your accredited high school diploma online at Beacon Academy of Nevada, a Nevada statewide high school.

1. Relax.
Your online high school teachers want to help you.  Do not be afraid to ask for help when it’s necessary.

2. Introduce yourself.
As soon as you begin your online high school classes here at Beacon Academy, take a minute to introduce yourself to your online high school teachers.  Say hello in a class chat or drop him or her a quick email.  You will be more comfortable dealing with someone you know if a problem arises.

3. Seek answers from designated areas first.
Beacon Academy teachers are eager to help with legitimate problems.  However, they do not want to waste time when the answers can be found elsewhere.  If you have a basic class question, first seek solutions from the class syllabus, website, and general discussion boards.

4. Re-read your emails.
Emails can often be misunderstood.  Whenever sending an email to your online Beacon Academy high school teachers, re-read them to make sure that your message is clear and your tone is intentional.

5. Listen.
When you receive a response, make sure you pay attention to what the teacher is saying.  Re-reading their emails will help you avoid missing the details.

6. Approach before the student rush.
After a challenging assignment or an important test, your teacher is going to be inundated with emails.  Anticipate any problems and try to approach him or her beforehand, when they will have more time to give your concern attention.

7. Ask politely.
It’s always smart to keep your communications polite.  Remember that emails, message board posts, and chat discussions are often saved.  So be polite.  Your Beacon Academy teachers are more receptive to your concerns when you are polite.

8. Expect fairness.
Avoid asking for favors that would be unfair to other students.  If you have a legitimate need, your teacher will be more willing to work with you than if you just want to whine about a grade.

9. Don’t go over the teacher’s head.
In extreme cases, online accredited high school students may find it necessary to complain about an accredited online high school course to the school administration.  However, it is almost always best to solve problems directly with the teacher.  If you have a non-urgent complaint about the course, work with the instructor or save it for the evaluations.

10.  If web communications break down, ask for a phone meeting.
Sometimes emails and internet chats just do not cut it. If you have a concern that isn’t getting solved online, ask your teacher to set up a phone meeting.

To learn more about Distance Learning at Beacon Academy of Nevada, a state-wide online public charter high school with its main offices in Clark County, Las Vegas, Nevada and Washoe County, Reno, Nevada.  Click on the links below.

Why Enroll at Beacon Academy – Click HERE
Learn About High School From Home – Click HERE
Frequently Asked Questions – Click HERE
Wonder Why You Should Enroll – Click HERE
Read our Blog – Click HERE
To Enroll – Click HERE

James Karas
Tech Support
Beacon Academy of Nevada
Nevada’s Online High School

Posted in Tech Tips | Leave a comment

Is An Online High School Right For You? – 05.07.12

There are a variety of reasons for choosing an accredited online high school.  Some students enroll in online programs to take advanced courses or to accelerate the pace of their study.  Others seek credit-recovery courses that provide the opportunity to get back on track and earn their free online high school diploma.  All of these students are seeking accredited online high school classes.

Students turn to virtual online high schools such as Beacon Academy of Nevada when their zoned school doesn’t offer courses they want or need.  Sometimes students enroll in virtual online high schools because they have been the victim of bullying or other negative experiences at their former school.  Some of the most successful students completing distance education classes in Nevada have disabilities or illnesses that make attending a traditional school difficult.  Many students who have dropped out seek to return to earn their free online high school diploma through an online school such as Beacon Academy of Nevada.  Some students may have had previous disciplinary problems which prevent them from attending a face-to-face classroom.

Many students come to Beacon Academy of Nevada from a home school environment, and wish to complete their free online high school diploma from home.  Others have family care or job obligations which make attending a traditional school impossible.  One common denominator is that Beacon Academy students want the freedom and the flexibility to earn their high school diploma their way!

The key to academic success in a virtual online high school is persistence and motivation.  If you are motivated to earn your free high school diploma, and are looking for an alternative to the crowds and drama of a traditional high school, then an online education at Beacon Academy of Nevada may be for you.  When we provide caring teachers, mentors and support, an interactive virtual curriculum, and you provide your time and willingness to earn your free online high school degree, you can achieve your goals no matter where you live in the state of Nevada!  You could be in Clark County, Nye County, Lincoln County, or White Pine County.

For more information about Beacon Academy of Nevada check out these links:

Frequently Asked Questions
Why Enroll In Beacon Academy
High School From Home
Beacon Clubs
Courses Offered
Enroll for FALL 2012
Enroll for SUMMER school

Beacon Academy of Nevada
Nevada’s Online High School

Posted in Academic Angle | 1 Comment