KEYSTONE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

Our OLL classes operate through a variety of programs that may include multiple on-line platforms. Students can choose to take online classes at home or at school. We can work with individual students and families to create a schedule that meets their needs. Students and families can choose from a variety of options, such as:

- Full Time Online Learning from home/off-campus

- Full Time Online Learning at school (Virtual Academy Learning Center housed at CMHS)

- Hybrid Online Learning Schedule (customized combination of both on-site and at home learning)

• Students can take CTC courses in person, and online courses at home or school
• Students may take some courses in-person in a classroom with a teacher, and other courses virtually with an online teacher.
• Schedules can look very different from one semester to the next.

Our goal is to find what type of learning platform meets the needs of our students.

My name is David Peters. During the 2024-25 school year I will be the new Principal of the Keystone Central Virtual Academy. This will be my 26th year working in Keystone Central. I am excited to take on this new role, and I look forward to working with students to find ways to best meet their learning needs.

We are excited to work with students who have chosen the Virtual Academy as their option for fulfilling their educational needs. The Virtual Academy provides learning options for students to complete all coursework required for their grade level credits. All KCSD Virtual Academy classes are offered in partnership with the CIOLA (Central Intermediate Online Learning Association). All courses offered through online learning vendors are aligned with the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s state standards for learning.

In addition, all KCSD Virtual Academy students remain enrolled in KCSD and as such, are eligible for participation in all student programs and activities.

If you have questions about online learning or the KCSD Virtual Academy, please feel free to contact me.

Mr. Peters

David Peters - KCSD Virtual Academy Principal / CMHS Athletic Director

dpeters2@kcsd.us

570-893-4900 ext.4583

Teresa Carlson - Administrative Assistant

tcarlson@kcsd.us

570-893-4900 ext.2310

Biff Walizer - Learning Center Coordinator/Virtual Academy K-12 Special Education Support

bwalizer@kcsd.us

570-893-4900 ext.4643

Michelle Spedding - Academic Advisor Grades K-12

mspeddin@kcsd.us

570-893-4900 ext.2990

Scott Bair - Online Physical Education

sbair@kcsd.us

570-893-4900 ext.4563

August 28 - First Day of Classes

September 2 - Labor Day - No School

September 26 - Homecoming Parade

KCSD is using ClassDojo as our messaging app. Please be sure to connect (or reconnect) so you don't miss any important information from your child's school or teachers.

Stay informed about:

• School events and activities
• Important deadlines and assignments
• Emergency alerts and school delays/dismissals/closures

This year, we will be offering monthly ‘Keystone Conversations’ in an effort to provide our parents and guardians with information they feel would be most helpful to assist in closing the gap between home and school. We would love to hear from parents / guardians to know what training or information they would like to receive. We would like all parents / guardians to complete this short form to let us know what you need.

We would like to recognize the Virtual Academy students for their hard work and dedication to online learning by naming them the Wildcats of the Month.

The Wildcat of the Month is highlighted for working hard with their pacing, attendance and doing well academically, with an 85% or higher in their classes. The Wildcat of the Month goes above and beyond what is expected and Consistently demonstrates the core values of a Wildcat. (Be Kind, present, respectful and responsible).

Watch your emails for a nomination for one of the advisors!

• All attendance excuses must be emailed to vaattendance@kcsd.k12.pa.us.
• We will be using this for our updates, announcements, you will be able to message our advisors and many more features.
• Online learning can be very challenging, here are some tips to help you reach success!

If you are concerned about a student for any reason, you can make a SAP referral. The SAP referral can potentially lead to any needed services and/or supports the student may need to be successful.

Scan the QR code on the picture to make a referral!

Understanding how to be successful in online classes is key to getting your education! That’s where our tips for online classes come in.

1. Limit Your Time on Social Media
Social media is another temptation when taking online classes since it’s right there in your web browser. However, social posts can make you feel bad in addition to distracting you. If you need to, use an app that manages your internet options and locks you out of social media apps until certain times of the day.

2. Develop Strong Time Management Skills
This is a learned skill, so you’ll get better at it over time. If time management isn’t a strong suit, then be very intentional. Sit down and look at your calendar, then block out every part of your day (including non-school activities) and assign half-hour increments to each. Remember, online learning takes place of your full school day.

3. Stay Active
Physical activity is one of the best stress management techniques around. Whether you play a sport, hit the gym, or focus on getting your steps in, don’t let that lapse because you’re in school.

4. Learn How to Problem-Solve on Your Own
When you learn remotely, you have to do more for yourself. That includes gathering materials, understanding technical requirements, and reaching out to others. Decide upfront to be proactive and problem-solve on your own.

5. Set a Schedule for Completing and Reviewing Assignments
It’s easy to fall behind if you don’t schedule your tasks ahead of time. If you can, leave yourself an extra day to read through assignments before you submit them.

Attendance is calculated based upon assignment completion in order to stay on pace NOT by days logged on.

• From your dashboard take the total number of assignments and divide it by the weeks of enrollment or school days available

Example: Math=45 assignments, English=45, Science=45, History=45, Spanish=45 - 45+45+45+45+45=225 total assignments

Enrollment is 9 weeks (1 MP) 225/9=25 assignments per week or 5 per day

In this case, we would look for 25 assignments per week to be considered full attendance

Missing assignments would equal absences - ex. 20/25 (5 missing= 1 full day)

Federal Programs Updates

All elementary schools within the district are Title I schoolwide schools and receive Title I federal funds to support the positions of Interventionist and Title I Associates. We determine how to use the funding to staff our buildings based on family input and our school data. If you are interested in becoming a part of our Title I team, please reach out to your building Interventionist or principal. Our Policy 917/918 meetings are a great place to start, because we always review our School Improvement plans and the most updated school data during those meetings.

At all school levels, we use Title IV federal funds to purchase incentives for PBIS (our positive school-wide behavior supports) rewards, and we emphasize the goal of following school rules in all schools.

Required documents for families:

Right to Request Qualifications of Teachers (see Annual Notices and Policy Review button above) - if you wish to request a paper copy, please contact jevey@kcsd.k12.pa.us .

Note: If your child is taught for four or more weeks by a teacher who is instructing in a content area for which they are not currently certified, the district must notify you. Four-week notification letters will be added here if that becomes necessary.

Non-Discrimination Statement (see Annual Notices and Policy Review button above) - if you wish to request a paper copy, please contact jevey@kcsd.k12.pa.us.

Title I District Parent Policy - Policy 918

Coaching Newsletter for Families - How We Teach Reading

Title I Complaint Procedure

School Improvement Plan

Take time to stay connected with your child's home school and learn about upcoming events.

CMHS

CMMS

Bucktail HS/MS Newsletter

Renovo Elementary Newsletter

Robb Elementary Newsletter

MH Elementary Newsletter

LC Elementary Newsletter

WW Elementary Newsletter

CTC Newsletter

Our Career and Technical Center is a state-of-the-art 235,000 square foot integrated academic and career technical educational complex that we believe is the model for 21st Century high schools. We are located at Central Mountain High School and also have a satellite site at the Bucktail Area High School.

The Keystone Central School District has introduced and implemented an integrated career and technical curriculum that offers a totally integrated academic, career and technical education for all ninth through twelfth grade students. The integration model allows all students, from high liberal arts concentration to traditional career bound students, to explore and attain high academic and technical skills in their chosen profession. This system is designed to provide all students an educational exploration opportunity that is both rigorous and relevant for career and post-secondary success.

In addition to the integrated curriculum, the Career and Technical education delivery system has been overhauled and given the flexibility needed to adapt to individual student needs and academic college preparatory courses. We now offer programs on a two or three period schedule, over a 4 year delivery system. Students enrolled in the Virtual Academy may also be enrolled in the CTC through a hybrid-course schedule.

The KCSD CTC been recognized by the National School Board Association as an exemplary model for a 21st Century high school.

We also offer our students several industry certifications and dual enrollment credits, as well as articulated credits.

Students enrolled in the Virtual Academy can participate in athletics or extracurricular activities offered at the their home school.

Check out all the exciting options:

Here are some helpful links to help you navigate the virtual world.

Login Directions

Accessing PE Class (only class not in Genius) - Elementary will use Google Classroom and Secondary will use Schoology

VA Student Handbook

AE Elementary Resource Link

Course Catalog

https://learningcoach.accelerate.education/