This year Mrs. Elder asked her American History II students to complete an assignment on “Historical Landmarks.” Pennsylvania is home to a lot of American History. As a result, we have a ton of historic landmarks across the state. Click on the video below to see what one student learned about her landmark!
Category: Students
Laptop Return Procedure
When students are ready to graduate from 21CCCS, they are required to return their laptops and other borrowed equipment to our school. This process can feel cumbersome and long-winded! So, we thought we’d let you know what to expect in advance. Don’t let the process bog you down! Just follow these steps:
- When students arrive at Rustin High School, they should go to table #1 to pickup “Equipment Return Papers.”
- Students will proceed to the table for equipment and completed “Equipment Return Papers.”
- A staff/faculty member will run through checklist to confirm receipt of each item: textbooks, computers, printers, and/or calculators
- Student will receive a copy of the completed checklist. If an item is missing, notes will be taken to address such.
- Students will sign “Equipment Return Paper” at the bottom and date.
- Students receive a ticket to proceed through other graduation procedure only if all equipment is returned.
Please feel free to let us know if you have questions or need assistance with anything! We are happy to help!
The Eclectic Corner~ A Post by Rachel
Read below to see another installment of “The Eclectic Corner,” a posting topic created by 21CCCS student, Rachel Durs
The blog post I sat down to write months ago is very different from the post you see before you now. After my first installment of The Eclectic Corner, I was buoyed and couldn’t wait to begin my next musing – an analysis of culture and how the mostly-wholesome winsomeness of Harry Potter seems in short supply nowadays. But then life happened and months dragged on before I could get back to blogging, and when I tried to explore a new final topic for my last blog entry, I found myself realizing that my Eclectic Corner – my grand experiment! – had been frighteningly short lived.
So, suddenly, I had to think about how I wanted to end this blog. What thoughts did I want to put in here? My mind returned to what I had wanted to talk about initially, but with a twist. For my last post, I’m not going to lament the current state of culture from an eclectic point of view. I’m not going to talk about how we change the culture either. No. In light of graduation (which will uproot me from the comfortable life of grade school-dom and whisk me off into the real world), I’m instead going to talk about how we, the Eclectics, can go out into the real world and place ourselves on the forefront of the culture. Hey, people like me, who walk in the shadow of human pop culture, deserve a place on the front lines like everyone else.
If you’re anything like me, you’ve been told all of your life that being strange is not a selling point and if you want to succeed in the world, you need to put on the mantle everyone else wears. But in my life, I’ve learned that’s not at all true. Instead, the fact that we rule the not-quite-there and not-yet-so region of human consciousness is our greatest strength. This is probably the biggest difference between Eclectics and Hipsters. Hipsters are removed from the mainstream by choice; Eclectics are removed from the mainstream by design. For Eclectics, the mainstream and our viewpoints just don’t mesh.
But as I prepare to leave my comfortably small circles for bigger real-life ones, I’ve realized that we don’t have to push back against the mainstream until we change it. We only have to push against the mainstream until we’re standing right there in the middle of it. I’m a firm believer that when something presents a problem, you don’t try to cover it up or kill it; you give people other options.
So as many of us – including yours truly – leave this great school, I want you all to remember that you have a place in the forefront of the world too. This world and its culture don’t have to be entirely racy and violent and mindless, but it also doesn’t need to be re-forged until it’s obscure and lofty. Instead, there should be a mix of the two – an option to pick which one works best for each person.
Maybe in the future, I’ll see you guys again (I’m taking a gap year between high school and college and would absolutely LOVE to blog about the life of a gap year girl, so…). But if I don’t see you against the backdrop of this school, I hope I see you out there in the real world, standing on the front line and showing everyone that a little weirdness is a great thing.
Thanks for reading and stay eclectic! – Rachel
Summer on the Cheap!
Are you looking for great things to do this summer without breaking the bank? Here are some great ideas that can keep your wallet full and your smiles wide!
1.) Spend an Afternoon at Your Local Library! They have air conditioning, Free WiFi, and cozy chairs to help you snuggle up with your favorite books! Ok, it’s not the community pool, but libraries can be fun! And you should probably build a super-awesome reading list so you’re ready to go when it’s time for back-to-school days!
2.) Throw a BYOF BBQ! Invite friends and family out to enjoy the heat! There’s nothing better than celebrating the summertime with the people you care about! Offer to buy the hotdogs and hamburgers, and assign other foods to your friends! Everyone can share in the fun, and you’ll be glad you all got together.
3.) Check out the Philly Fun Guide by clicking here. They provide a list of FREE events in the area from Arts and Heritage Festivals to Library Fairs and Flea Markets! There’s fun for all ages and the best part is, it’s all free!
4.) Investigate Your State Parks! Pennsylvania is know for its historic battlefields and incredible wildlife, preserved in our parks. You can use this site: PADCNR to locate the parks nearest to you! Pack a picnic, grab your hiking boots, and take a camera. We’d love to see the incredible things you find in your very own backyard! Post your pics to our social media throughout the summer!
5.) Consider Taking a Course or Workshop! Check out this great site to learn about course offerings held over the summer. There are lots of things you can learn with the time allotted over the summer. You might surprise yourself! Remember, you may qualify for aid to pursue any of these options! Call PAFA to learn more.
Have a happy and healthy summer! And remember to send us shout-outs! We want to know what you’re up to!
Alumni Spotlight: Jesse Kitzen-Abelson
Read below to learn about another one of our spectacular alumni! Meet Jesse!
Hello teachers, students, alumni, and families of the 21CCCS community. My name is Jesse Kitzen-Abelson and I was enrolled with the cyber school from 2004-2006. As with any situation, we get out of life what we put into it. Cyber school is not for everyone. However, if you take the time and put in the effort to do well, I believe you can gain many advantageous skills in comparison to other public school students. This was the case for me.
When I graduated and attended school at Temple University from 2006-2011, I found myself with a special set of skills thanks to cyber school. When I returned to the classroom, I noticed that I had learned how to problem solve and figure things out on my own. This is a crucial skill to have that has served me well. Another great thing about 21CCCS is that it allowed me to have a flexible schedule. That schedule allowed me to balance gymnastics training with my academics, so I could compete for a collegiate squad.
At Temple, I majored in Kinesiology (exercise physiology) and competed on the varsity gymnastics team from 2007-2011. It was a remarkable experience and it led to many other great things. I was able to travel the country, train with a great group of guys, and compete against Olympians at the NCAA championships.
After I graduated, my coach told me that one of his life-long friends was looking for a new coach for his gym in South Africa. Clearly, I could not pass up such an incredible opportunity. I arrived here in South Africa in September 2011. It is been nearly two years since my arrival. The time has flown by, since I am doing what I love. Cyber school paved the way for me, and I know it can make a difference for others as well.
Click here to see a recent highlights video I made from our March-April training. I hope you enjoy it!
Gotta Get My Cap and Gown
The following post was written by 21CCCS English teacher, Tony Herman. He has a lot to say about graduation! Read below to learn more.
Graduation. 
Literally, it is a day when you put on a funny gown, get handed a piece of paper, and throw a cap into the air. Figuratively, it’s a day marking the end of one journey and the beginning of a new one. Emotionally, it’s a day on which you toss away the kid’s clothes and step into adulthood.
All the adverbs aside, the more I think about graduation and what it means for all of my seniors, the more important it becomes. Thinking back, I still remember shaking as I walked on the grass of my high school football field – all the parents waving, taking pictures – the more embarrassing ones with posters and blow-horns. I may have rolled my eyes at the time, but now I know how great that moment really was.
Graduation is all about you. Your accomplishments. Your journey. Your day. Own it.
Teaching at 21CCCS for the past three years and having a slew of graduates this year, I know what you’ve gone through. Some students have worked night shifts to get here. Some will reach for their diplomas with a baby in the other hand, having submitted assignments in lieu of sleeping. Still others will be the first in their family to go to college this fall. Everyone will have their story about how they got to this day. But graduation isn’t just another day. It’s a big deal.
On that day, we celebrate you: where you’ve come from, where you are, and, most importantly, where you’re going. We are so proud to share in the moment with you. We can’t wait to see you walk across the stage, and we’ll be cheering you on the whole way!
We’ll see you on Saturday, June 8th. For more details, be sure to check out our events page on the website at 21cccs.org.
New YouTube Video Contest Winner Post!
8th grade 21CCCS student Anthony Scarpone Lambert won our YouTube/Essay Contest this year! Take a look at his winning submission here!
YouTube/Writing Contest Winner!
For this year’s YouTube/Writing Contest, 7th grade 21CCCS student, Sarah Saboori wrote a wonderful essay to describe her experiences at cyber school. She won for our 7th grade category. We are so proud of her inspiring words and wanted to share them with you here. Read below to learn how and why cyber school has made a huge difference in Sarah’s life. Great job, Sarah!
In her words:
Why do students choose Cyber School? I prefer Cyber School for many reasons. My experience at 21st Century Cyber Charter School shows I can work at my own pace, collaborate with teachers and classmates, and socialize during clubs. I enjoy working at my own speed. If I don’t understand a lesson, I can take extra time to understand the concept. I ask my teachers questions when I need help. A flexible schedule allows me to work ahead. I can individualize my schedule. For example, I can use technology to write presentations and essays, which makes it easier to complete work faster.
Also, teachers are always available in the Middle School Virtual Office. Teachers help me understand subjects. For example, if I do not understand an assignment, I enter the Virtual Office, and ask my question. The teacher answers my questions, and helps me to understand. I go to local community outreaches to meet my classmates and teachers, and work on my assignments. There are field trips once a month. They are always fun and educational.
21st Century Cyber Charter School has lots of clubs in which to participate. I enjoy going to cooking club, photography club, and short story club. An 8th grader from 21st Century Cyber Charter School says, “I enjoy going to the Poetry Club. Not only was I introduced to amazing new poets, but also I learned to analyze and apply them to my life.” All of the clubs are fun, and a great way to meet classmates and teachers.
Why does Cyber School work for me? Working at my own pace, collaborating with teachers and classmates, and socializing at clubs make Cyber School a wonderful learning experience.
NHS Project Brings Beauty to the Community!
Anna Siftar, a senior at 21CCCS and member of National Honor Society, organized and lead a group of youth and adults in a “Maze Garden Clean Up Day” as a part of Bethlehem’s First Friday Festivities. The group and community enjoyed DJ Arm 18 and DJ Marcelino’s spinning while uprooting out of control thistles, taming overgrown grass and clearing weed-filled brick paths. At the end of the day, the group’s hard work was rewarded with a beautiful garden for all the community to enjoy. Mr. Miller, Mr. Petters and all the staff at 21CCCS would like to thank and congratulate Anna and her workers for their efforts in making their community a better place. Check out some photos of the event below!
Cyber-Educator, Cyber-Mom Speaks Out
Veteran cyber school teacher, Monica Frank, has an interesting perspective on cyber charter school. Not only has she been a cyber school teacher for the past 5 years. She also opted to enroll her son, Stephen, into a cyber charter school in 2012. Her experience and the path she’s taken with her son has not been easy. Read below for a touching account of what cyber school has meant to her and her family.
In Monica’s words:
I remember the moment my child was born. I held Stephen in my arms and told him that I was his mom. I talked to him about the amazing journey of life he was about to embark upon.
I promised him, and myself, that I would be there every step of the way: encouraging him, protecting him, keeping him safe, and pushing him to reach for the stars.
Along Stephen’s life journey, I have been challenged to keep that promise. Unfortunately, my decision-making has been especially difficult in cases when it comes to my son’s education.
Because I am a teacher, I could not wait to help Stephen reach his potential in school. He loved elementary school and before long, he was ready to enter middle school. Stephen was nervous and excited for the transition and immediately asked me if he could play midget league football. My husband and I agreed, thinking the experience would help Stephen build connections and make friendships before entering school. I did not realize how this decision would dramatically change our lives.
A month into the football season, Stephen was no longer as enthusiastic as he had been. He complained that the other boys picked on him. A few weeks later, he was threatened through a Facebook post. I found the post and took it to the coaches, who ignored the severity of the situation. His father and I instructed Stephen to delete all school friends from his Facebook account, hoping it would take care of the situation.
My husband and I thought to use the situation as a learning experience, and simply move on. But the boys continued to pick on Stephen once school began. The taunting and teasing worsened, and slowly, my child began changing in front of my eyes.
Once we recognized that this was a serious instance of bullying, we needed to do more. Being an educator in the state of Pennsylvania, I know about the laws pertaining to education. I knew that our home school district was responsible for providing a free and appropriate education for my child. When a child is being bullied day after day and no longer feels safe in his learning environment, that education is no longer appropriate.
I contacted individuals at the school whom I thought could help. I reached out to the vice principal in our school. He told me that if Stephen did not react to the bullying, and ignored the other boys when he was picked on, it would make things easier on him. The guidance counselor seemingly grew tired of hearing Stephen’s complaints and threatened Stephen with detention with the other boys if he continued to discuss what was going on.
As things became progressively worse, I asked that my son’s class schedule be changed. To my surprise, I was told this could not be done. So, things went unchanged for a while.
With the passing of more time, Stephen stopped eating. When we took him to the doctor, he had lost 40 pounds. It was at that time that we learned he had an eating disorder.
The doctor wrote a note to the school stating that he had been diagnosed with an eating disorder due to bullying.
I also wrote a letter to the school, this time demanding that Stephen’s classes be changed. I became increasingly vigilant. Through many emails and phone calls, I re-stated the law and fought for my son. By the time the school agreed to change his classes, the damaged had already been done.
By February of that year, my vibrant, funny child had no desire to do anything. I had let him down on the promises I made to protect him and keep him safe. I continued to try and work with the vice principal, but it was not getting us anywhere.
Then, one night changed things for us. While Stephen and I were chatting, he said,
“Mom, I now understand why kids kill themselves from being bullied.”
Talk about someone socking you in the stomach. I found myself on high alert because my son had made the connection between his pain and the pain of others who had been bullied. Something had to be done. My husband and I needed to keep our son safe. We decided he would go to the 21st Century Cyber School in the fall.
Fast-forward a year. Stephen now attends 21CCCS. He enjoys school again. He is able to complete schoolwork on a schedule that works best for him and really enjoys the interaction with his teachers and classmates. He has made distinguished honor roll each quarter because he is able to focus on his academics.
Most importantly, I have my son back. He is so happy and full of life. His smile lights up a room. I took that smile for granted until nearly a year passed before I saw it again. When I look at him today, I am reminded of where he was a year ago. While he has emotional scars that still need to heal, I know he is in a much better place.
This situation ultimately became a learning experience for my husband and me. I learned that there is hope even in the darkest moments. I learned that I have choices, even when the school district tells me I don’t. I learned that I need to be my child’s advocate and fight for what I feel is best for him. I learned the importance of knowing the law. Stephen attends 21CCCS without paying tuition. He is receiving an education that is safe, appropriate, and high quality. Sending our child to 21st Century has been one of the best decisions we could have made for our son. I’m glad we made it.
So is Stephen.