Virtual Academy Handbook
WSPA Virtual Student & Family Orientation Hub
Winston-Salem Preparatory Academy @ Atkins
WSPA Virtual Student & Family Orientation Hub
Your one-page guide to virtual learning expectations, Canvas, Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace, family support, technology help, and student success.
Start Here
Virtual learning at WSPA is still school. Students are expected to attend live classes, participate, complete assignments, communicate with teachers, and stay connected. Parents and Learning Coaches help students build routines, monitor progress, and solve problems early.
Mobile tip: Use the navigation buttons below to jump directly to the information you need.
Join every live class on time.
Participate, respond, and stay visible.
Ask for help before problems grow.
Quick Navigation
Top 5 Things Students and Families Need to Know
- Students must log in to every live class on time.
- Students should keep cameras on unless they have an approved accommodation or receive different directions from school staff.
- Canvas is where assignments, directions, announcements, and class materials are posted.
- Microsoft Teams is where many live virtual classes are held.
- Parents and Learning Coaches should check Campus Parent Portal, Canvas, and email daily.
Schedules
School Day
8:10 a.m. – 3:05 p.m.
The bell schedule is available on teacher Canvas pages and the district website.
Middle School Schedule
Pattern: English and Math meet every day. Science, Social Studies, and Encore rotate on A/B days.
- 6th Grade: Encore occurs during 4th block.
- 7th Grade: Encore occurs during 3rd block.
- 8th Grade: Encore occurs during 2nd block.
High School Schedule
Pattern: On regular days, students report directly to 1st block. Students report to homeroom only on specified days.
- Semester 1: Q1 + Q2, August–December
- Semester 2: Q3 + Q4, January–May
- 99: Homeroom
Student Expectations
Attendance & Engagement
- Log in to every class on time.
- Keep your camera on unless you have an approved accommodation or receive different direction from school staff.
- Remain in class until the teacher dismisses the class.
- Respond verbally or in the chat so the teacher knows you are engaged.
- Complete and submit all assignments through Canvas.
- Ask for help when you are confused. Do not disappear from class.
Virtual Learning Behavior
- Treat classmates and staff respectfully.
- Dress appropriately according to district and school expectations.
- Do not eat during live class.
- Do not leave class without informing the teacher, including for the bathroom.
- Learn from a designated location in the home that is appropriate for school.
- Use school technology only for appropriate school-related purposes.
Forward Focus & Reassignment Process
Students who do not meet virtual learning expectations may receive support, redirection, parent contact, Forward Focus, or be reviewed through the reassignment process. The goal is to help students correct concerns early and remain successful in the virtual setting.
Parent / Learning Coach Support
Be Available
An adult should be available to support the student during the school day. The Learning Coach does not replace the teacher, but helps the student stay organized and on track.
Manage the Learning Space
Help the student prepare a quiet, appropriate learning space with the necessary materials, a charged device, and minimal distractions.
Check Progress Daily
Check Campus Parent Portal, Canvas, and email daily. Monitor grades, attendance, assignments, and teacher communication.
Parent / Learning Coach Action Items
- Check Campus Parent Portal and Infinite Campus Student Information System
- Check email daily.
- Become a Canvas Observer.
- Help the student maintain a consistent school-day routine.
- Contact the school when there is a concern with attendance, technology, assignments, or communication.
Portal note: Families may need the NCSIS Parent Portal Activation Code Lookup before completing Infinite Campus setup.
Canvas & Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is where many live virtual classes are held.
Click here to access your class! Click on your period and class to access your Teams meeting.
1. Log in to Canvas
Use your WSFCS student account. Do not use a parent or personal account.
2. Open the Correct Course
From the Canvas Dashboard, open the course for the class period you are scheduled to attend.
3. Find the Live Class Link
Look for Microsoft Teams, Teams Meeting, Live Class, or Join Class.
4. Join the Meeting
Open the Teams link in the app or browser. Sign in with your WSFCS student account if asked.
5. Be Ready for Class
- Turn your camera on unless you have an approved accommodation or staff direction.
- Mute your microphone when you are not speaking.
- Use your real name so the teacher can take attendance.
- Have your notebook, assignments, and materials ready.
6. Participate During Class
- Respond when the teacher calls on you.
- Use the chat for class-related questions and answers.
- Stay in the meeting until class ends.
- Do not leave your device without informing the teacher.
Google Workspace Self-Help Center
Use these WSFCS student resources for Google Drive, Docs, Slides, Sheets, Drawings, sharing files, submitting Google files, and password help. Open a resource in a new tab, follow the directions, and return to Canvas when finished.
Get Started with Google Workspace & Drive
Create with Google Tools
Find & Organize Files
Student Password Information
Students use their WSFCS account to log in to laptops, Chromebooks, Office 365, and Google Workspace. Do not share your password with other students.
Communication
Strong communication prevents small problems from becoming big problems. Students and families should check messages daily and respond to school communication as soon as possible.
- Upload an absence excuse when the student is absent.
- Check email daily.
- Use phone, text, email, Canvas messages, Remind, and the WSPA website for school communication.
- Join WSPA Remind for updates.
- Update contact information within 3 days of any change.
Technology & Tech Support
School-Issued Chromebook
WSFCS provides school-issued Chromebooks through the WSFCS Technology Department.
Personal Devices
If you use a personal device at home, sign in with your WSFCS student account so Canvas, Teams, Google Workspace, and school tools work correctly.
Responsible Use
Use devices for school-appropriate websites and assignments. Do not share passwords, damage devices, or send or display inappropriate images, language, or websites.
WSFCS Technology Warehouse
Phone: 336-727-8300
Address: 4021 Reynolds Court, Winston-Salem, NC 27105
Policies & In-Person Requirements
In-Person Requirements
Even though students attend virtually, some school activities and requirements may take place in person.
- Benchmarks
- Check-ins
- End-of-Grade assessments for grades 6, 7, and 8
- End-of-Course assessments for high school courses
- Other required district or state assessments
- Open House
- New Student Orientation
- School photo and student ID picture day
Student Life at WSPA
Virtual students are still part of the Phoenix family. Participation is not required for every activity except for Clubs and Advisory, but students are strongly encouraged to take part in student-life opportunities.
What to Do If You Have a Problem
I cannot access Canvas.
- Check your internet connection.
- Make sure you are using your WSFCS student account.
- Restart the device.
- Email Ms. Joyce first @ csjoyce@wsfcs.k12.nc.us. Then you can call and leave a message at 336-703-6732 ext. 79126
- Email your administrator if the issue prevents you from attending.
I cannot find the Teams link.
- Check the Canvas course home page.
- Check Modules.
- Check Announcements.
- Check your Canvas Inbox or email.
- Message the teacher immediately.
- Email Mr. Ketcham first at baketcham@wsfcs.k12.nc.us.
- Email your administrator if the issue prevents you from attending.
I am absent or late.
- Notify the teacher if possible.
- Have the parent or guardian upload an absence excuse.
- Check Canvas for missed work.
- Complete missing assignments as soon as possible.
I do not understand my schedule.
- Review your schedule in Infinite Campus or Canvas.
- Check whether it is an A Day or B Day if you are in middle school.
- Contact your teacher, counselor, or administrator for help.
I cannot find or share a Google file.
- Open the Google Workspace Self-Help Center above.
- Use the Drive search or file-sharing resource.
- Confirm that you are signed in with your WSFCS student account.
- Ask your teacher for help before the assignment deadline.
Virtual Student Success Checklist
Before each school day, make sure you can check off each item:
- ☐ My Chromebook or device is charged.
- ☐ I know my class schedule for the day.
- ☐ I know whether it is an A Day or B Day, if I am in middle school.
- ☐ I am logged into Canvas with my WSFCS student account.
- ☐ I know where to find my Teams meeting link.
- ☐ My camera and microphone are working.
- ☐ I have a quiet, appropriate learning space.
- ☐ I can find and share files in Google Drive.
- ☐ I have completed and submitted my Canvas assignments.
- ☐ My parent or Learning Coach has checked Canvas, Parent Portal, or email.
- ☐ I asked for help when I was confused or had a problem.
When to Contact the School
Contact WSPA promptly when a student cannot access class, has a schedule problem, is repeatedly absent or late, cannot submit work, or has not received a response to an urgent academic concern.
WSPA Contact Information
Phoenix Reminder
Virtual learning works when students, families, and school staff stay connected. Show up. Speak up. Complete the work. Ask for help early.
Rooted in Excellence, Growing Toward Greatness!
Show up. Stay connected. Complete the work. Ask for help early.
