Why I Love My P4SLs

Posted on February 25, 2013 by Ben Ozgur

To learn more about our P4SL Model and what it means to teachers, read below. These are some of the experiences of English teacher, Eileen Vice:

The name “P4SL” is likely unfamiliar to anyone outside of the 21st Century family. That’s right, I said “family.” That’s what we are like here at 21CCCS! Originally, our family knew the phrase P4SL stood for “Plan for Student Learning.” (I should know, because I’ve been here FOREVER!) The P4SL was a program our students entered to help them understand their unique learning styles. At some point in time, the program’s name shifted. Today, it is not the name of the program. Instead, a P4SL is the term we use to refer to our student mentees. Weird, right?

So what are P4SLs anyway? As I mentioned, they are essentially mentees. Teachers at 21CCCS act as a Learning Coach for their P4SLs. Being a learning coach is what makes my job especially exciting. I get to work closely with a smaller number of students outside of my teaching load. I communicate with them about grades, sure. But, I also get the chance to talk about other important topics like friendships, family, jobs, fears and anxieties, goals, and dreams. I dispense wisdom and advice they always appreciate and follow (okay, not always, but they make a good show of it.)

Why is the P4SL relationship so important? Having a Learning Coach means every student has a special point of connection with 21CCCS. It means every parent has the phone number and email address of the person who knows their child better than anyone else at school. As a result, I get a lot of calls from my P4SLs and parents alike. Although many parents feel the need to apologize for “hassling me,” they are never a bother. I love to talk to them about what is going on with their child, especially since kids sometimes forget to tell their parents the important stuff. Everyone who knows me knows that I do not like surprises. Open communication prevents surprises. It is one of the most crucial components of the P4SL relationship.

I find the best way to connect to my P4SLs is to torture them mercilessly. To get them to submit their yearbook head shots, I repeatedly send photos of myself from my high school days (those were some good years!). I like to start the year off right by sending my P4SLs postcards in the summer. That way, they don’t forget about me or their school! I force them to get their picture taken with me on field trips. I make them schedules, even if they don’t want them, and accuse them of “trying to kill me” when they procrastinate. They come to love my incessant nagging, and expect it by the end of the school year. They know I do it because I care.

On the other hand, there are many things my P4SLs may not know about me.

They may not know that I don’t lose sleep over their failures because I am disappointed or frustrated. I lose sleep because I know they are so much more than a grade on a piece of paper. My P4SLs may not know that I will forever remember what they’ve told me they want to be when they grow up. Some students have been my P4SLs for over 5 years. I am certain they do not always believe that I know what I am talking about, or that I could possibly understand what life is like for teenagers today. But, I have five daughters. Believe me, I get it.

I think my P4SLs are amazing. I think they are smart and funny, and strong and capable. I think they are brave for trying online learning and succeeding, even more so if they failed at first. I think they are pioneers in the fields of education and life. Most of all, I am more proud than they will ever know, that they are mine.

And when they walk across the stage at their graduation, I will cry like a baby.

Who Are Our Students?

Posted on February 20, 2013 by Ben Ozgur

Read below to learn about the students of our school, as described by one of our English teachers, Kathleen Groff.

“So…what kind of kids do you teach?”

In my six years teaching here at the 21^st Century Cyber Charter School, this has to be the question I am most frequently asked. The concept of a middle or high school existing completely online is foreign enough to some people. Now try imagining what sort of students might attend such a school.

Luckily for them, I have a very thorough answer to this question!

I tell them that my students are athletes who are dedicated to their sport and training. They work hard each day, pushing themselves both physically and mentally to reach the next level and achieve greatness in their sport and passion. They need the flexible schedule we offer to accommodate their demanding practice schedule.

My students are also musicians and artists; they work their fingers raw perfecting a difficult concerto, while traveling to and from auditions to look for their next project. They need to be able to travel to New York City several times a week or attend lessons during the day to continue growing as artists.

My students are dealing with the emotional scars of bullying and gossip. They come to our school to find a safe, accepting atmosphere. They leave toxic and painful environments and make the brave choice to enter a new type of schooling. Our school is one where students are free to be themselves, learn, and build new friendships.

My students were once lost in a traditional classroom, as they silently watched the class move on to the next topic before they could gain understanding; they now thrive in an environment where they can receive one-on-one attention and work at a speed that is more comfortable for them.

My students were once tapping their pencils on a desk, bored by the pace of a brick and mortar classroom. They wanted to be challenged academically and move through the curriculum at their own pace. They need a rigorous course load that they can complete, given their strengths and abilities.

My students are members of families who value their homeschooling lifestyle and seek a superior education with certified teachers, which can still be delivered in their home environment; they are students struggling with medical issues who wish to learn while in the comfort of their own home; they are young mothers and fathers who are trying to care for their child while building a future through an education.

Ultimately, of course, my students are young adults who deserve a quality, flexible education that places them at the center. They are the reason we do what we do here at 21CCCS!

2013- 2014 Budget Plan for Education

Posted on February 19, 2013October 27, 2015 by Ben Ozgur

Governor Corbett has unveiled a plan for the 2013-2014 state budget that will bring state spending to $11.7 billion dollars, or 41% of the state’s General Fund budget. This is considered unprecedented, in that the monies slated for education seem astronomical. This is roughly a $90 million increase from last year’s budget, per the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Regardless of the promising outline created, the question still in the minds of many at this point is simply: what monies will be slated for charter schools? The budget plan looks to increase spending on things such as the following:

$5.5 billion for Basic Education Funding to the state’s 500 school districts
$1.03 billion for Special Education
$100 million for Accountability Block Grants
$62 million for Career and Technical Education
$1.08 billion for the school employees’ retirement system
$634.5 million for student transportation
$544.5 million for school employees’ Social Security

So much is at stake with regard to the “School of Choice Movement.” With this in mind, it is the hope of many that Pennsylvania state legislation will soon speak to the needs of alternative schools, as well as other needs.

Keeping Active While Indoors

Posted on February 6, 2013 by Ben Ozgur

The winter doldrums are tough to beat. The cold weather makes it much more difficult to exercise outdoors. But, thanks to one of our physical education teachers, Mrs. Kennelly, we have a few indoor workout options to suggest for you! Here is a quick workout option you can do to stay fit, release endorphins, and maintain your healthy state of being, all from the comfort of your living room. You only need a small space, and this can be done without weights or gym machinery. Give it a try! If you like it, tell us how it worked out for you by commenting on our Facebook page.

Quick 30 Minute Circuit:

50 jumping jacks
30 sec. jump rope
20 alternating lunges
30 sec. jump rope
20 squats
30 sec. jump rope
60 sec. high knees
30 sec. jump rope
10 jump squats
30 sec. jump rope
10 burpees
30 sec. jump rope
60 jumping jacks
30 sec. jump rope
20 sec. mountain climbers
30 sec. jump rope
25 push ups
30 sec. jump rope
60 sec. plank
***Repeat 1 time

Not sure how to do a burpee? Take a look at the video below!

What’s A Hashtag?

Posted on February 4, 2013 by Ben Ozgur

It's just a pound symbol. This should be easy enough to figure out! — It’s just a pound symbol. This should be easy enough to figure out!

I’m sure you’ve heard the word before. Hashtag. Or, maybe you’ve heard it used in a sentence. A friend casually makes a joke by saying, “Ugh, I have so much homework to do tonight! Hashtag– Life Is Hard!” You laugh with the best of them and say something like, “Yes! Totally! Hashtag times a million!” But inside, you might be asking yourself: What on earth is a hashtag? Where does it belong? And how do I use one? Never fear! 21CCCS knows all about the mighty hashtag. We can help!

Twitter.com offers a help center to help you understand what you’ve been missing out on. CLICK HERE to access their article. If you don’t feel up to reading that, here is all you need to know:

Hashtags are used to categorize Tweets, or group messages
There are lots of hashtags already in use, so you can usually add a pre-existing hashtag to your tweet
Hashtags may help you to find trending topics, or simply topics that may interest you
Yes, it is spelled as one word. I promise. I looked it up.

For more hot tips, follow us on Twitter @21CyberSchool

Socialization Worries? Cyber Students Don’t Live On An Island!

Posted on January 10, 2013 by Ben Ozgur

The opinion is out there. Cyber school = no socialization. As a cyber school, we’ve heard the arguments and continue to believe that not everyone sees the whole picture.

21CCCS high school teacher, Mr. Bonnette, feels strongly that in spite of common beliefs that cyber schools limit socialization opportunities for students, we have a way of helping to engage our students through several mediums. Read below to learn more about this topic of interest, and what Mr. Bonnette has to say about it.

If you are a prospective parent and this is your first investigation into the possibility of sending your child to a virtual school, it is understandable you may have some concerns about socialization in a cyber world. Let’s face it; you are making a major decision, which is going to affect your child’s education, and life in general. So, understanding how we in the cyber community strive to ensure students have ample socialization opportunities is probably important to you.

There is a stigma existing in our world that cyber education isolates or eliminates the social opportunities children need in order to grow and mature into successful citizens. You may have had this thought brewing at the back of your own mind. As a parent and child it is important to understand that 21^st Century Cyber Charter School strives to pay particular attention to this facet of the cyber school experience. We understand social interaction is important and place a heavy emphasis on providing each student, regardless of geographical location, with both virtual and face-to-face opportunities to socialize with peers and staff.

According to Watson and Gemin, virtual schooling fosters a number of positive social developments for our youth. The cyber learning environment provides:

Greater collaboration amongst students across grade levels, leading to accountability and responsibility for older students.
Cross-curricular communication outside a grade level cohort.
The break down of social and ethnic barriers.
Interaction with a broad range of cultures, ideas, and perspectives (2013).

In addition to the benefits of virtual socialization, 21^st Century Cyber Charter School offers a host of activities in which students and parents may collaborate and socialize face-to-face. We host field trips each month, which are geared toward all grade levels and afford students the opportunity to meet with peers in an educational and social climate. Each week we host a community outreach program. These events welcome teachers and staff to various locations throughout Pennsylvania so that students may experience live tutoring and mentorship. We offer a number of clubs, which also provide students positive interactions with their peers. Finally, we encourage students to come into our main office location to work with their teachers during the school year. We’re always here for our students!

The possibilities for additional activities and socialization opportunities continue to grow. We are always learning, adapting, and changing. We welcome input as well! Students here have a voice and often help us to discover new trips, events, and outreach possibilities. We are a school of collaboration and exploration. We invite you to give us a try!

Hopefully this short segment has alleviated some of your concerns about socialization in a virtual school setting. By considering cyber school you are making a big decision, so be aware that 21^st Century Cyber Charter School will do everything in its power to make your child’s education everything he/she wants it to be.

Watson, J., & Gemin, B. (2013). Socialization in online programs. North American Council for Online Learning. NACOL, n.d. Web. 9 Jan 2013. Site available at: http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=7&cad=rja&ved=0CG8QFjAG&url=http://www.inacol.org/research/promisingpractices/NACOL_PP_Socialization.pdf&ei=l7XtUPTeI8a70AHs1YHYDw&usg=AFQjCNHti2mBpBIi3UXFF_7bPAs5CT-rkA&sig2=yhE-M3CWemMvMP5gKcS-LQ.

What the Common Core Means for 21CCCS

Posted on December 13, 2012October 27, 2015 by Ben Ozgur

It has become a buzz phrase: Common Core Standards. Across the country, states and the schools within those states are choosing to utilize the Common Core. But what does that mean? What are the core? Why are they so common? And what does any of this have to do with your child?

The “Common Core” is a set of standards that outline what children should learn in schools. These standards were developed in an attempt to establish what curriculum is needed in order to help children succeed in college and the workplace. Further, the Core Standards outlines how schools should hope to deliver adequate knowledge and skills to their students.

Working with a new learning template is no easy task. The country is abuzz with how to implement the new standards. At the same time, speculators are looking to analyze whether or not the Core can really help schools to achieve what they propose. Articles are constantly written, examining the Core and what they may or may not be able to do.

Edutopia.org has recently provided a series of five articles, examining the purpose of the Common Core, and the effects it may have on schools. The Heritage Foundation recently published information on their website about the Common Core that suggests some needed areas of learning may be abandoned when the Core are implemented.

What does 21CCCS think about the Common Core? They are meant to act as a guideline. They provide a robust template, offering insight into what children need to succeed in the public school system. The Instructional Systems Design team here at 21CCCS uses the Core and develops individualized instruction that works for our students. We are in line with state standards and expectations and find that the new set of standards offers flexibility to learning.

Being informed is critical! For more information on the Common Core, see the article, “Facts High School Parents Must Know about Common Code State Standards,” provided by Studentnews.ie. And, if you learn of other articles that might help our constituents to remain in the know, feel free to comment via email or Facebook post! We love to hear from you!

What Is the School Choice Movement?

Posted on November 14, 2012 by Ben Ozgur

The ‘school choice movement‘ refers to the concept that students and their parents should have the opportunity to attend school where they choose. As the shape of public education shifts over time, parents are more interested in finding alternative educational opportunities. Some parents favor the charter school movement while others are in search of vouchers and scholarships to send their children to private school. As a response to this, there are several organizations that exist to help parents navigate these choices.

How does 21st Century Cyber Charter School fit into the school choice movement? Because we are a public school, there is no fee to attend. Enrollment is not selective, but based on seat availability. As long as our school is not at capacity, we are able to offer enrollment. Being a cyber charter school makes it that much easier for us to accommodate the demands of our incoming students.

We enjoy being a choice for students because we feel that we offer opportunities for success. Students come to us in search of an alternative. In a recent article published by Lancaster Online, our CEO reported that we offer courses and opportunities that other schools can’t. We provide an online individualized curriculum to cater to our students’ learning styles. To learn more, CLICK HERE and read the article!

Campout for Hunger!

Posted on November 8, 2012 by Ben Ozgur

It’s that time of year again! As we near the holiday season, 21CCCS participates in a local food drive to support the efforts of the Philabundance organization. This organization responds to the hunger needs existing in the Delaware Valley through food acquisition, direct delivery services, and the coordination of volunteer services.

Last year, 21CCCS was able to contribute a little over 2,000 lbs. of food to the Campout for Hunger 2011 food drive. This year, we hope to raise the bar and do even more! If you would like to contribute too, follow these easy steps!

Bring non-perishable items to 805 Springdale Dr, Exton PA
Bins will be displayed where goods can be dropped off
All items must be donated by November 29th, 2012
All goods will be delivered to Campout for Hunger by November 30th, 2012

If you have other questions, feel free to give us a call at 484-875-5400. Thanks for your help!

Controversy Surrounding Cyber Charter Schools

Posted on October 25, 2012 by Ben Ozgur

Educating the masses is no easy task. It’s easy to keep up with the news as long as you’re talking about Justin Beiber or those Kardashians. But when it comes to cyber school education, it seems that the jury is still out. Here at 21CCCS, we recognize that not everyone knows the truth and the whole truth about cyber charter schools.

With 11 cyber schools currently operating in the state of Pennsylvania, people are becoming more and more in-the-know. Click here to read an article featured in Timesleader.com on July 17 of this year. It offers some insight into what either side of the fence contemplates. In the article, our CEO, Jon Marsh, helps to voice the strengths of cyber education. He also speculates on why a sometimes negative perception permeates the media.