Student Communication

Get Connected

In an online class, communication is one of the most important parts of your success. Knowing who to contact, how to ask questions, and how to stay informed helps you get support quickly and avoid confusion.

Overview

Contacting your Teacher

This page explains how communication works at CVA, who students should contact for different situations, and how to write clear messages that help teachers respond quickly.

Directions: Review the sections below to learn how to contact the right person, choose the best communication tool, and write a message that is clear, respectful, and specific.

Who should I contact?

Ask the Right Person

When you have a question, the fastest way to get help is by contacting the right person. Most questions about your class should go to your teacher, while questions about scheduling or graduation progress should go to your school counselor.

Teacher

Questions about your class?

Your teacher is the first person to contact for anything related to the class itself.

Assignment directions
Feedback or grades
Skills or concepts
Due dates
Time management
Getting caught up

School Counselor

Planning ahead?

Your school counselor helps with the bigger academic picture.

Course scheduling
Graduation requirements
Credit checks and transcripts
College and career planning

How do I contact my teacher?

Choose the Right Communication Tool

You can check the Teacher Information Page in your course to find your teacher’s contact details and availability. CVA provides several communication tools so you can get help when you need it.

CTLS Parent is the best way to stay connected to your CVA teacher.

CTLS Parent

Use CTLS Parent to send direct messages to your teacher and read announcements or updates.

Email

Use your CCSD student email for class questions that need a detailed response.

Voice

Use voice during your teacher’s available hours when a conversation is easier than typing.

CTLS Chat

Use CTLS Chat mainly for live support through the Virtual Learning Center.

What if my teacher does not respond?

Your teacher will do their best to respond within 24 hours. If you do not hear back right away, be patient. After 24 hours, try another form of communication or send a polite follow-up.

What do I say?

What to Include

Communicating clearly helps you get help faster. Taking a moment to write a clear message helps your teacher respond more quickly and accurately.

Use a Clear Subject Line

Example: Question about Unit 3 Assignment

Start with a Greeting

Example: Hello or Hi [Teacher’s Name]

Be Specific

Include the unit, lesson, assignment name, and what part is confusing.

Check the Lesson First

Look at directions, assignment instructions, and announcements before sending a message.

Keep a Respectful Tone

Use phrases like “Could you clarify…” or “I’m having trouble understanding…”

End with Your Name

Example: Thank you, Jordan Smith

Example: I’m working on Unit 2 Lesson 4 and I’m not sure what we should include in the final part of the assignment. Could you explain what needs to be submitted?

How do I say it?

What Works

Before contacting your teacher, check the lesson directions first. When you do send a message, make sure it is clear, respectful, and specific.

Question About an Assignment

A stronger message includes the unit, lesson, and a clear question. That gives the teacher enough information to respond quickly.

Best choice: A message that clearly explains the assignment, the lesson, and what help is needed.

Question About a Grade

A stronger message uses a respectful tone and clearly explains what feedback or grade information the student wants to understand.

Best choice: A message that asks for clarification politely and includes the assignment or discussion name.

Important Reminder

Start with Your Teacher

When you have a class question, need help understanding an assignment, want feedback explained, or are falling behind, start by contacting your teacher. If your question is about scheduling, credits, transcripts, or graduation requirements, contact your school counselor.

Class. Virtually. Anywhere.