Dear Students and Families:

I hope that this letter finds you well and that your family is filled with excitement for the upcoming school year. Welcome to the new secondary virtual learning school, the Baltimore Revolutionary Academy for Virtual Education (BRAVE).  I am Dr. Charlene Whilby, and I am so elated to serve as your Principal, as we embark on a journey that keeps students’ future at the core of every decision. As this academic year unfolds, I find myself filled with enthusiasm, and a laser-like determination to ensure that every student at the Secondary Virtual Learning School is positioned to reach the zenith of their potential.  

I am a strong advocate for high-quality education because I am a recipient of a sound education, and I firmly believe that high-quality education does change trajectories, and creates opportunities that would not otherwise be possible. Over the years, I have served as a teacher and school administrator for grades K-12, and I understand the types of collaboration and best practices that need to occur in order for all students to reap success. 

Vision for Success: At the BRAVE, we are committed to providing a rigorous learning experience in a flexible environment where all students are empowered and challenged academically, emotionally, and intellectually through personalized learning, enrichment, and the creative use of technology. Our robust, innovative, and equitable learning community ensures that every student graduates on time, ready to navigate college and careers, and serve as contributing members of society.

At BRAVE, we are dedicated to providing all students with a supportive learning environment, where high-quality education is not optional. We are committed to ensuring that our students receive an engaging and enriching educational experience in our virtual setting. The Secondary Virtual Learning School team maintains a strong focus on providing rigorous instruction and diverse resources for all students to thrive academically and personally. 

Social Emotional Well-being: We are cognizant that the social-emotional well-being of students is crucial to their academic success. As such, we place a strong emphasis on mental health support, opportunities to engage in community building activities, and social emotional learning. We aim to provide a nurturing school climate and culture where everyone feels heard, valued and supported to learn. For this upcoming school year we will have a gameroom, activity room, photo studio operated by our scholars, clubs and field trips, among other events to ensure our scholars have multiple opportunities to interact outside of the virtual setting. Throughout the school year, we will be offering a variety of virtual events and activities to engage students and build a strong sense of community. From virtual events, assemblies and clubs to online field trips and collaborative projects, there will be ample opportunities for students to connect with their peers and develop meaningful relationships.

We value maintaining clear communication and mutual understanding amongst students, parents, and staff, which are essential for supporting a  successful virtual learning experience. We strive to create a sense of belonging and community, promote academic growth, and support the social and emotional well-being of all scholars. 

Parental Engagement: We believe that students’ success is dependent on the collective efforts and partnerships that exist between the school, parents and the community. Hence, at BRAVE,  we take a village mentality approach to educating our scholars. I implore all families to take an active role in their child’s education by attending events, actively volunteering in various aspects of schooling, and ensuring that your contact information remains current so that you are abreast of the latest activities that are happening at your child’s school. We appreciate your partnership and look forward to working collaboratively with all families to ensure the success of every student.

This summer we have scheduled opportunities to engage with students and families as we prepare for the school year.   Additionally, in preparation for the upcoming school year, we will be providing technology orientations to familiarize you and your child to efficiently utilize our school platforms. I encourage you and your student to familiarize yourself with our virtual learning platforms and resources prior to the start of the school year by attending our technology support sessions. Our knowledgeable and supportive technology support team will be available to assist you with any technical questions or needs that you may have. Resources and important dates will be communicated to parents in due course.

We are confident that our school will provide your child with an exceptional educational experience for the 2024-25 school year. As we embark on this new journey, we are committed to working closely with you to ensure your child’s success. We encourage you to reach out to us with any questions, requests, or suggestions that you may have. We look forward to getting to know you and our scholar, and to building a strong partnership to support them as they soar this school year. Thank you for entrusting us with your child's education. We are excited to have you as a valued member of our BRAVE community!

Warmest Regards,
Dr. Charlene Whilby
Principal
The Baltimore Revolutionary Academy for Virtual Education, #897