Supporting Families Every Step of the Way: Meet Ms. Perkins 

At North Carolina Virtual Academy (NCVA), student success involves more than just academics. Behind the scenes, dedicated staff members work closely with families to ensure students feel supported, motivated, and connected throughout their virtual learning journey. One of those team members is Ms. Perkins, a Student Support Advisor who proudly serves as a guide and cheerleader for hundreds of NCVA families. 

Building Connections with Students … and Families 

As a Student Support Advisor, Ms. Perkins helps families navigate the many aspects of virtual learning that fall outside of academics. While teachers focus on instruction, advisors provide encouragement, guidance, and practical support to help students thrive at home. 

“As a student support advisor, I support families with pretty much anything and everything that’s not directly related to academics,” Ms. Perkins explained. “We’re really like the student and family’s biggest cheerleader.” 

At the beginning of the school year, this support is especially important. Families are learning how to set up productive workspaces, manage schedules, and establish routines that work in a virtual environment. 

“We help steer families in the right direction – how to set up their workspace, how to motivate their child, and even when it’s okay to take a break as a learning coach.” 

With a caseload of around 200 families, Ms. Perkins stays connected through phone calls, texts, and emails, making it a priority to check in with each family regularly. 

Creating Lasting Connections 

For Ms. Perkins, the advisor role is really about building real relationships. Advisors often become a trusted point of contact when families face challenges both inside and outside the classroom. 

“Sometimes when you reach out, it’s the perfect time,” she said. “Families might be going through something difficult and just need someone to talk to and support them.” 

These conversations can be incredibly meaningful. In some cases, parents have reached out to Ms. Perkins during some of the most challenging moments of their lives. 

“People say the advisors are the heart of NCVA,” she said. “And we really are.” 

Building Community Through Social Sessions 

To help students stay socially connected, Ms. Perkins hosts weekly virtual social sessions where students can relax, have fun, and interact with their peers. 

Activities range from playing games like Kahoot and Jeopardy to scavenger hunts, movie time, or even cooking simple snacks together. 

“It’s an optional time where students can just come and have fun,” she said. “We don’t really talk about school. It’s just an opportunity for them to relax and hang out.” 

These sessions not only help students build friendships, but they also strengthen the connection between families and advisors. 

A Unique Perspective on Virtual Learning 

Ms. Perkins brings a valuable perspective to her role because she has experienced NCVA from several angles. Over the past decade, she has been a classroom teacher, an NCVA learning coach for her own child, an NCVA teacher, and now an advisor. 

“I’ve done a lot of different things with NCVA over the years,” she said. “So I understand what families are going through.” 

As a parent of four children – many of whom have experienced virtual learning themselves – she often shares practical advice with families, including strategies for managing multiple students at home. 

“Sometimes things aren’t going to go perfectly, and that’s okay,” she said. “It’s important for parents to know that ahead of time so they don’t feel overwhelmed.” 

A Role Built on Relationships 

For Ms. Perkins, the most rewarding part of her job is the relationships she builds with families over time. From weekly check-ins to fun social sessions, she works to ensure that students and parents always know they have someone in their corner. 

“Parents feel really comfortable talking to us,” she said. “We really love what we do.” 

Through encouragement, connection, and genuine care, Ms. Perkins continues to make a lasting difference in the lives of NCVA families every day. 

Is virtual learning right for your family? 

Unlock possibilities you never imagined! Explore how North Carolina Virtual Academy can support your child’s journey. Click here to learn more about us today! 

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