PAVCS Newsroom

This week the Pennsylvania Virtual Charter School continues to query its population on education programs and acronyms. Last week were proud to find that more than 90 percent of the PAVCS family knew that NCLB was the acronym for No Child Left Behind, the Federal law for K-12 education that seeks accountability for schools while increasing a parent’s choices to educate their child. The law also allows for more local control of school decisions and provides for shared best practices.

This week we took the education alphabet soup a step further and wanted to see if our community understood the meaning of the acronym AYP. AYP gets talked about a lot and it can be confusing, so it is no surprise that while nearly 65 percent of those answering were correct in identifying Adequate Yearly Progress, that more than 82 percent identified Yearly Progress in the acronym, but got the first word incorrect.

Adequate Yearly Progress is a designation a school receives if it meets the criteria related to four areas within the law: Academic Performance, Attendance, Test Participation and Highly Qualified Teachers.

Name: Heather Schaffer
Introduction: I'm just someone who is trying to make a difference and have a lot of fun while I'm at it! I also love a good sarcastic and witty sense of humor :)
Birthplace: Abington
Hometown: 20 minutes outside of Philly
Position at PAVCS: Family Support Coordinator
Experience prior to coming to PAVCS: I have done so many things ... ask me :)
Education: Graduated from West Chester University with a B.A (I also had three minors in Education, Literature and Communications!)
Family: I have a family ... two of which are my very spoiled kitties Connor and Buddha Bear. Meow!
Top Ten
10 out 10 almost describes my passion for: TV shows by Joss Whedon
9 times out of 10 I'd eat (calories aside): "ohhh is that chocolate?!"
8 hours a day at my dream job (besides PAVCS) would be: an actress
7 days on a dream vacation would be spent: In Scotland
6 seconds after I launch my Internet browser I'm on: cuteoverload.com
5 minutes is all the time I have for (pet peeve): When people put the toilet paper roll on backwards (it lays on the top, it doesn’t hang from the bottom!)
4 stars is my rating for (TV/Movie/Book): Pee Wee''s Big Adventure. Great Movie!
3 things always on my desk: Coffee, Cat, my Head (kidding!)
2 people (living or dead) I wish I could meet: Billy Corgan and Willow Rosenburg (from Buffy the Vampire Slayer if she were real)
1 thing that might surprise most people about me: I played Roller Derby for a little bit. I got the scars to prove it!

Conor Wagar is one of two PAVCS students chosen to attend the 14th annual Student Government Seminar at the State Capitol Building on Thursday, October 22, 2009, which featured a mock General Assembly as students serve as “Senators for a Day.” There were over 160 students from the 15th Senatorial District participating. 

Senator Jeffrey Piccola, Chairman of the Senate Education Committee, gave students the opportunity to serve as legislators. Conor joined a peer Senate committee to discuss bills, take positions on legislation, and actually draft laws for the full Senate to consider. During the afternoon, the Senate then met to debate and vote on legislation drafted by the various committees. Dr. G. Terry Madonna, Professor of Political Affairs at Franklin and Marshall College and Founding Director of the Center for Politics and Public Affairs in the Floyd Institute for Public Policy, generated a discussion on the upcoming elections. Conor felt this was a great opportunity to open doors for him in the future, because he has a passion for politics and history. 

Not only is Conor a great student, he is an exceptional athlete. He competes as a Singles Freestyle Novice Level Figure Skater. He skates at least four hours a day five to six days a week, while taking ballet twice a week, and performing hours of off-ice training workouts in between. This passion began at age 10 when he was inspired by attending a Disney On Ice show. 

Recently Conor was awarded first place at the "May Day Open.” He is currently an alternate for the Eastern Sectional Figure Skating team, which is a qualifying event for the U.S. Nationals. He describes skating as not just a commitment it is a life style. His ultimate goal would be to participate in the Winter Olympics and give his best performance ever.

On January 8, 2002 President George W. Bush signed a federal bill called No Child Left Behind. This bill was created with the ultimate goal of student educational success. This bill was developed on the idea of four different pillars.

The first pillar we speak of often is a stronger accountability for results which holds the idea of closing all achievement gaps for all students. The second pillar refers to more freedom for states and communities. This pillar gives PAVCS the right to use all funding supplied to our school in areas we feel need improvement. The third pillar, proven education methods, sets the standard for using scientific research materials for instruction which will develop our students’ skills immensely. The fourth and final pillar states that there are more choices for parents. This final pillar rings a bell for PAVCS since the enrollment into a cyber charter school was a parent’s choice.

With these pillars in place, states began to focus on reinforcing standards, creating an assessment system, develop regulations for all school districts, and demonstrate how to utilize data to enhance these tasks.

Therefore, No Child Left Behind will guarantee higher student achievement, solid school districts, and illustrate a well-rounded educational staff. PAVCS will be accountable for all our learners as we need to make proper financial decisions that will impact our students in a positive way. The students will work in a rigorous researched based curriculum in a school they have chosen to attend. As the PAVCS community, we need to work together to ensure the success of our students continuously through our Diamond Model of Partnership.

The Pennsylvania Virtual Charter School recently named Joseph A. Bradley, former North Star School District High School Principal and Assistant High School Principal at South Fayette School District, Director of Special Education.

“PAVCS is excited to have Joseph Bradley head its Special Education Department. In addition to his Principal duties at North Star High School, Mr. Bradley led the 9-12 Special Education Department for a building with more than 450 students,” PAVCS Chief Executive Officer Joanne Jones Barnett said. “Joe is well-versed in how to improve the learning environment for special needs students and his experience as a school leader will be an asset to PAVCS.”

Bradley earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Studies Secondary Education from Pittsburgh University, a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science/Pre Law and a Drivers Education/Safety Education Certificate from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, a Master’s of Education – Education Leadership and K-12 Principal’s Certificate from Duquesne University, and a Superintendent’s Letter of Eligibility from Gannon University.

His coursework related to his Principal’s Certificate and Superintendent’s Letter of Eligibility was concentrated on Special Education and while serving at South Fayette and North Star school districts Bradley was the Local Education Agency Representative for Special Education and Individual Education Plan meetings. He also led the Special Education department in his capacity as North Star High School Principal.

The next few weeks of Pennsylvania Virtual Charter School's informal "One Simple Question" poll of its families will be taking on a familiar subject. We are asking our parents if they know and understand the requirements and laws associated with education. The first question we posed to our parents was if they understood for what the acronym NCLB stood.

It was no surprise to find that the parents at this PA cyber charter school were able to identify "No Child Left Behind," as a whopping 91 percent of the respondents to our poll were correct. We did get some interesting other responses, but I think many of them were trying to be creative. Some of the alternatives we received included:  Narrow-minded Craziness About Learning Brains, National Children With Learning Believing Act, National Civil Liberties Board, National Class Liberty Blackboard, National College League Baseball, National Collegiate Library Board, National Computer Laboratories Of Britain, National Conference League Baseball, National Council Of Labor Boards, Nationwide Community Library Banishment, Naval Criminal Laboratories Of Bosnia, Need Coffee Like Breakfast, New Condensed Living Bible, No Child Learns Better, No Community Left Behind, and the North Carolina Liquor Board.

No Child Left Behind Act of 2002 is a Federal law for K-12 education that seeks accountability for schools while increasing a parent’s choices to educate their child. The law also allows for more local control of school decisions and provides for shared best practices.

Name: Desireah Osborne
Introduction: I am a high school math teacher certified in the area of special education. This my third year teaching virtually and I love it! When I am not working with my students I am enjoying my two sons, ages 8 and 17. We travel often and spend lots of time at the beach. I look forward to working with you!
Birthplace: Darby, Pennsylvania
Hometown: Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania
Position at PAVCS: Special Education Teacher
Experience prior to coming to PAVCS: I have dedicated my teaching career to working at charter schools.
Education: B.S. in Special Education, West Chester University
Family: Husband, Mike; Sons, Jamison and Tristan; Dog, Bart
10 out 10 almost describes my passion for: student achievement
9 times out of 10 I'd eat (calories aside): tacos
8 hours a day at my dream job (besides PAVCS) would be: public speaker
7 days on a dream vacation would be spent: in Costa Rica
6 seconds after I launch my Internet browser I'm on: msnbc.com
5 minutes is all the time I have for (pet peeve): no internet connection
4 stars is my rating for (TV/Movie/Book): Alchemist
3 things always on my desk: latte, pens, post-its
2 people (living or dead) I wish I could meet: Jim Morrison, Ben Franklin
1 thing that might surprise most people about me: I spend my summer weekends at a trailer in Earleville, MD.

As Pennsylvania Virtual Charter School seniors prepare for graduation, we are reminded that our first class graduated nearly six months ago. We have decided to get updates from the Class of 2009 as they navigate their lives post-PAVCS.
Name: Jonathan  Mall
Since graduation I have been: Attending college
Where? Penn State
What do you miss most about PAVCS? I miss the awesome teachers that PAVCS had throughout high school.
On a scale of 1-5 (5 being the highest), how do you feel PAVCS prepared you for life after high school? 4
How do you hope the PAVCS family remembers you? I hope people remember me for my sense of humor and my determination to get a great name for PAVCS
What advice do you have for this year's graduates? Have Fun! This will be your last year in high school and enjoy every second of it. The world is not as easy as I once thought it was and I will forever remember the times and friends I made at PAVCS. Good Luck
Career Plans: I am working towards a degree in IST (Information Sciences and Technology)

One of the most prevalent questions posed to parents/educators at the Pennsylvania Virtual Charter School concerns the perceived absence of the opportunity for children to develop social skills. Frequently cited by opponents, one of the most enduring myths is that children can only be "socialized" by attending a brick and mortar school. However, there are just as many options for PAVCS students to develop and maintain relationships in our school.

PAVCS students don't grow up within a blank alternative world separated from all the children living in their area. In reality, outside of the time that other kids are confined to the classroom, PAVCS students can and do interact socially with other children.

PAVCS has family support coordinators (FSCs) who offer three outings per month catered to their geographic area. Additionally, PAVCS students can actually attend an outing offered by any family support coordinator across the state.

The FSCs help foster friendships between families at outing by holding activities that help the families to bond and interact. The FSCs also help organize community service projects held across the state which can be anything from collecting can tabs for the Ronald McDonald House to Coats for Kids. In addition to what PAVCS can offer, in accordance with the state Charter School Law, our students can participate in their public school district of residence sports programs and extracurricular activities.

Another advantage to PAVCS students is that since FSCs support grades K-12, students have increased exposure to other students outside of their own age group. By mixing the age groups at outings students increase their self confidence, maturation rates, and ability to adapt to different environments and social groups. The older students help the younger students to encourage independent thinking, creativity, and strong will.

At PAVCS our goal is to connect families with social and educational activities.

The hard-working students making up the Pennsylvania Virtual Charter School Bell Podcast are back at work and producing top quality work. This month the crew tackles "Everything Science," "Ode to Columbus," "Wellness in a Cyber Setting," and "The Edge of the World."

Click on the image of the Bell Podcast Homepage to see the students' hard work.

 

Name: Tamara (Tammy) Bacon
Introduction: I am excited to be working full-time in our school's advanced learner program, SOAR.
Birthplace: Chester County, PA
Hometown: Lititz, Lancaster County
Position at PAVCS: Middle and High School SOAR teacher (Language Arts)
Experience prior to coming to PAVCS: 8 years, Towanda Area HS 11th & 12th English; 2 years, Manheim Central HS 11th and 12th English; 6 years with PAVCS, MS English and SOAR
Education: SUNY Binghamton, MA English Literature; Elizabethtown College BA English Education
Family: Husband Scott, kids Matthew and Sarah, beagle Hoagy
10 out 10 almost describes my passion for: reading, reading, reading...
9 times out of 10 I'd eat (calories aside): Dark chocolate nonpareils by the pound
8 hours a day at my dream job (besides PAVCS) would be: Full time SOAR teacher...wait a minute, that happened!
7 days on a dream vacation would be spent: Turks and Caicos
6 seconds after I launch my Internet browser I'm on: Barnes and Noble.com
5 minutes is all the time I have for (pet peeve): Ridiculous and redundant tasks
4 stars is my rating for (TV/Movie/Book): Castle/The Princess Bride/Pride and Prejudice
3 things always on my desk: William Shakespeare Action figure, one of my son's toys, a bottle of Metro Mint!
2 people (living or dead) I wish I could meet: Mr. Fred Rogers and Madeleine L'Engle
1 thing that might surprise most people about me: I love sanding and staining or refinishing wood furniture.

A few weeks ago, I have the pleasure of joining Heidi Lightner (Family Support Coordinator at PAVCS) and a large number of students and families at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire. The Renaissance Faire is held on the grounds of Mount Hope Estate & Winery, located fifteen miles north of Lancaster, and thirteen miles east of Hershey.

The Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire is a thirty-two acre re-creation of a 16th century (the late Elizabethan Era) village and marketplace. There are many colorfully costumed merrymakers including the Queen, knights on horseback, jesters, jugglers, musicians, craftsmen, merchants and artisans, thirteen stages, a life size chess match, and a whole lot of singing, dancing, performing, and eating.

Many families spent the day wondering around from one event to the next, and many of them dressed for the occasion. Those who did dress up marched in the Queen's Parade of Schools and were presented with an Honorary Gift from the Queen. A few PAVCS students participated in the day’s events by playing in musical and acting performances themselves. 

The day was pack with so many different experiences. The life-size chess match was like watching a scene in Alice In Wonderland. Parents and kids walk around eating huge drumsticks while wearing pirate hats and eye patches. The most exciting event of the day was the final Joust. Everyone at the Renaissance Faire attended even the Queen. 

If you have not attended any outings this year, take a look at the My Calendar on Blackboard and come join the fun!

Parents and students at the Pennsylvania Virtual Charter School have noticed some changes this year involving the school's technology. First, and most noticeable, was the deployment of brand new Lenovo R500 laptops to every student enrolled at PAVCS. We could not take on and complete an endeavor of that magnitude without some talented people behind the scenes in the Technology Department.  I'd like to take this time to introduce you all to the PAVCS Technology Department.

Nathan Achey:  This is our new Help desk extraordinaire!  Nathan comes to us from the Navy and brings with him a help desk background for an outsourcing Fortune 500 company.  Part of the re-tooled Technology Department at PAVCS is all about increasing service to our families.  Nathan in his first two weeks with PAVCS has already resolved 69 escalated tickets.  He has already received "kudos" from a staff member and has branded our handhelds.  Not a bad start.

Ryan Lightcap:  Ryan is a strong infrastructure techie and will aid and assist greatly in the ever-changing and developing "gears" of PAVCS.  We have come a long way from our eight-station Windows Workgroup in a Windows 2000 environment to a full and robust clustered server environment with Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2008 and yes even some Open Source Servers.  Ryan will provide a great relief in the deployment of technologies that power PAVCS. Our goal is clear, improved service, that makes information available and “keeps IT simple” for the end user. This affects internal staff as well as our enrolled student base.  A tall order indeed!

Kevin Squire:  A returning vet in the PAVCS technical arsenal. Kevin has filled in recently in a support role but where he comes alive is on the web.  Kevin will be focusing on Web Development, Web Applications, Web 2.0 technologies and our Open Source Platform environments.  Even better, is he has also served as a teacher here at PAVCs so he "gets it."

Michael J. Rublesky III:  Having grown with PAVCS and building the technologies as PAVCS has developed, Michael is at the helm in this new and exciting environment that we have created for the students. Coordinating, developing and steering the PAVCS technical team, keeping an eye on solutions, ease of use and financial impact to better serve our community.

This weekend Governor Edward Rendell signed the state budget, ending a more than 100 days of debate. The $27.8 billion budget late in the evening on Friday. While the budget impasse meant a restriction on funds coming in to the Pennsylvania Virtual Charter School, strong fiscal planning on our part allowed us to operate and meet our financial obligations. The new state budget includes a 2 percent increase in funding to the state's 501 school districts, with $5.5 billion allocated for education.

While the start of the school year marks the end of summer, many find autumn to be one of the most enjoyable seasons. We were interested in finding out how families enrolled in the Pennsylvania Virtual Charter School occupy their time during the fall.

With that in mind, the "One Simple Question"  we asked our parents most recently was "What is your favorite fall activity?"

Not surprisingly, we found that parents who enroll their children in home-based education in this PA cyber charter school enjoy traditional fall activities.

Most families noted that hiking during the fall foliage season as a favorite, while others talked about pumpkin picking, apple picking and going on hayrides. One family combined most of the top answers to say "visiting a farm or pumpkin farm, going on the hayride and then bringing stuff home (crafts, pumpkins, corn stalks etc.)"

The top five activities enjoyed during the fall by PAVCS parents are:

1. Hiking: 22.69%
2. Pumpkin Picking: 21.01%
3. Rake Leaves, 17.65%
4. Apple Picking: 11.76%
5. Baking, Halloween, Hayride: 4.20%

Name: Rachel Blate
Introduction: Just moved to Pennsylvania from Florida and can't wait for the winter! I went to University of Florida and taught high school history in Orlando, Florida.
Birthplace: Orlando, FL
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
Position at PAVCS: High School History Teacher
Experience prior to coming to PAVCS: High School History, Museum Education
Education: University of Florida
Family: Husband and dog
Top Ten
10 out 10 almost describes my passion for: Harry Potter
9 times out of 10 I'd eat (calories aside): Sushi
8 hours a day at my dream job (besides PAVCS) would be: travel the world (if that was a job!)
7 days on a dream vacation would be spent: Europe
6 seconds after I launch my Internet browser I'm: checking my email
5 minutes is all the time I have for (pet peeve): when people run into you and don’t say excuse me
4 stars is my rating for (TV/Movie/Book): "Family Guy"
3 things always on my desk: coffee, my headset, various pens and markers
2 people (living or dead) I wish I could meet: Benjamin Franklin (dead) and Orlando Bloom (alive)
1 thing that might surprise most people about me: My dog's name is Rocky and I live in Philadelphia. I got my dog four years ago, before I even thought of moving to Philly.

Florence Wilson, age 15, has become PAVCS’s most recent teen author. Her first book is due to release October 31st 2009. Having the release date on Halloween is quite fitting seeing that this is the first book of a five part series about vampires. Her publisher has planned a Halloween launch party and book signing for “Teenage Vampire” to celebrate her first book release.

“Teenage Vampire” is a series of fictional stories set in the small town of Norrisburg, Alabama. The main character, Olivia Williams, is considered an ordinary sixteen-year-old girl who feels desperately alone living in a brand new town. She then happens upon some unlikely friendships under unusual circumstances, and she realized that these girls share something much deeper than friendship. This series of five novels will be released over the next two years, and her next book “Relief” is set to release around March 21st, 2010.

Florence has been a student of PAVCS since the third grade, and has been writing ever since the "picture stories" she wrote at age four. Cyber education has offered her many benefits. It gives her the flexibility with time and location, so she can focus on her love for reading and writing when she becomes inspired. When developing her stories, Florence will usually pre-write her concepts and plot, and then she will go back and add the details to create a more vivid image for her readers. Florence said she chose vampires as her focus, because they seem to be such a “huge thing with teens right now.” She did give a lot of credit her father, who is a writer, for inspiring her to follow in his footsteps.

Outside of school, Florence does a lot of fictional reading and personal writing. Her other passion is power lifting, which she has been doing with her father since the age of eight. She does not now what the future will bring, but she hopes to inspire others to reach for their goals!