What to Expect During Orientation Week at SULVS

Welcome to the SULVS Family!

Orientation Week is one of the most exciting milestones of the school year! Whether you're joining Southern University Laboratory Virtual School (SULVS) for the first time or returning for another year, Orientation Week is designed to ensure every family feels confident, connected, and prepared before live instruction begins.

At SULVS, we believe that a successful school year starts with strong preparation. Orientation Week provides students and learning coaches with the knowledge, resources, and support needed to begin the year ready to Learn. Grow. Thrive.

New Families: In-Person Orientation

Families joining SULVS for the first time will attend an in-person orientation at one of our regional locations. This experience is designed to help students and learning coaches become familiar with our virtual learning model while building connections with the SULVS community.

During orientation, families will:

• Meet the SULVS administration, teachers, and support staff.

• Learn how virtual instruction works at SULVS.

• Review academic, attendance, and communication expectations.

• Explore Canvas and other essential learning tools.

• Receive technology guidance and troubleshooting support.

• Learn about student services, clubs, extracurricular activities, and the EDGE Early College Academy.

• Complete any remaining onboarding activities.

• Have the opportunity to ask questions before the school year begins.

Our goal is for every new family to leave orientation feeling informed, supported, and excited for the year ahead.

Returning Families: Virtual Orientation

Returning students and families will complete a virtual orientation through their Homeroom course in Canvas.

This orientation provides important information about the upcoming school year, including updated school policies, attendance expectations, communication procedures, technology reminders, and available academic supports. Even returning families are encouraged to complete the orientation carefully, as several enhancements have been made for the 2026–2027 school year.

Required Orientation Modules

As part of Orientation Week, all students are required to complete four orientation modules:

• Canvas

• Attendance

• Digital Citizenship

• Academic Integrity

These short, self-paced modules introduce students to the tools, expectations, and responsibilities of virtual learning. Students will learn how to confidently navigate Canvas, understand daily attendance requirements, practice responsible digital citizenship, and uphold the principles of academic integrity. Together, these modules provide a strong foundation for a successful school year.

Prepare Your Learning Space

A productive learning environment is an important part of student success. Before live instruction begins, families should take time to prepare their home learning space.

We recommend:

• Setting up a quiet, distraction-free workspace.

• Ensuring your school-issued or approved device is ready for use.

• Testing your internet connection.

• Gathering school supplies.

• Reviewing your daily schedule as a family.

• Logging into Canvas and becoming familiar with your courses.

Establishing routines early helps students build confidence and begin the year ready to learn.

Stay Connected

Strong communication is one of the keys to success in a virtual school environment. Throughout Orientation Week, families will learn how to stay connected through Canvas announcements, school emails, text message notifications, the SULVS website, social media, and regular communication with teachers and staff.

Checking these communication channels regularly ensures you'll stay informed about important announcements, upcoming events, and student expectations throughout the school year.

Ready to Learn, Grow, and Thrive

Orientation Week is more than an introduction to SULVS—it's the beginning of a successful partnership between students, families, and our dedicated staff. By the end of the week, you'll have the tools, knowledge, and confidence needed to start the school year strong.

We are excited to welcome you to the 2026–2027 school year and look forward to partnering with your family as we continue to Learn. Grow. Thrive.