ExCEL Weekly

Dear ExCEL Students,

Welcome to February! This month may be the shortest, but it’s packed with opportunities to learn, grow, and make progress toward your goals. Whether you're tackling new challenges, preparing for exams, or working on personal projects, stay focused and keep pushing forward.

Remember to take care of yourself—balance your studies with rest, stay active, and support one another. Let’s make February a month of determination, positivity, and success!

Keep striving, keep learning, and keep shining!

In Partnership,

Your ExCEL Team

Cedar Cliff

Grade 11

Congratulations to Luis for being our Student of the Month! 🎉 His dedication to learning is truly commendable—he works hard, asks thoughtful questions, and actively participates in Zoom sessions when needed. Luis consistently puts in the effort to submit only his best-quality work, setting a great example for his peers. Keep up the amazing work, Luis! 👏

Red Mill

Grade 3

Connor continuously has shown exemplary effort with his courses!

He takes great care in completing assignments on time with quality work. Connor also goes the extra mile to make every zoom meeting a fun place to be. He is engaging and enthusiastic about being an ExCEL student! Way to go Connor!👏

You might come across the terms “guardian” and “learning coach” being used interchangeably. A guardian or learning coach is the adult who provides support to the learner at home. This role is essential for keeping students engaged and helping them succeed.

CHECK PROGRESS ROUTINELY

Try to establish a set, routine time to check on your learners' progress several times a week.

This allows you to intervene quickly, should your learner have trouble.

CLEARLY COMMUNICATE EXPECTATIONS

Sit down with your learner and clearly outline your expectations.

Review all course expectations with your learner.

Knowing what to do is key to your students success.

ASK QUESTIONS!

Don’t hesitate to ask questions of your student, instructors or advisors. These individuals are here to support you & your learner.

Teach your learner how to ask for help.

COMMUNICATE FREQUENTLY

Stay in regular communication with your learners advisor and instructors.

Sit with your learner and review their communications, assisting them to appropriately communicate.

Communication is key to success.

STICK TO A SCHEDULE

Develop a schedule for coursework that fits your home routine.

Sticking to a schedule allows for better planning and organization for your learner.

Flexibility is a huge benefit.

Additional Resources are linked HERE on our webpage.

As the holiday season comes to a close and we settle into the long winter months, I’d like to share some mental health resources available to families in our district. Each school in our district has mental health counselors from Laurel Life who are available to support students who may not be able to attend appointments outside of school hours. These services are also accessible to ExCEL Virtual Learning Academy students. If you’re interested in a referral for school-based therapy with Laurel Life, please feel free to reach out to me at mcummings@wssd.k12.pa.us.

For more details about Laurel Life, you can visit their website here: Laurel Life.

Additionally, another great resource is TrueNorth Wellness, which offers Open Access for individuals to walk in, complete an intake, and receive an appointment within two weeks. TrueNorth has multiple locations throughout Central PA and accepts various types of insurance.

You can find more information about TrueNorth Wellness here: TrueNorth Wellness.

✉Mrs. Cummings

School Counselor

Accountability is the name of the game! It can be tough to stay on top of your tasks sometimes. One awesome way to tackle this is by teaming up with an accountability buddy! Setting up a weekly check-in with a friend or a learning advisor (that’s me!) can help keep you on track with your studies. Plus, it adds a personal touch to an online environment that can often feel lonely. If you’re up for having regular meetings with me, just let me know! I’m here to help YOU!

✉ Ms. Peters

Online Learning Advisor

717-938-9577 ext 43087

As an online learner, it's crucial to recognize the unique challenges and benefits of this education mode. Home distractions and the absence of a traditional classroom can make focus difficult, so set daily goals to stay on track. Embrace the flexibility that online learning offers, allowing you to harmonize your studies with your commitments. Lean on the support of your fellow students, even in a virtual space; their shared journeys can motivate you, and take solace in the fact that we are all navigating this path together. Remember, education is your gateway to personal and professional growth, and each course you finish brings you closer to your dreams.

I encourage you to take full advantage of my Zoom Office Hours for additional support. It's a great opportunity to reach out, ask questions, or receive the assistance you need.

Mr. Ketterman's Office Hours:

-> Available Monday through Friday from 11 am to 1 pm.

-> The Zoom session will remain open during these hours for anyone requiring support.

Zoom Link: Mr. Ketterman

https://wssd-k12-pa-us.zoom.us/j/83668397353?pwd=PNyvj3Hdp0yhWrnGoE669Q52xlGhpU.1

"Life's most persistent and urgent question, 'What are you doing for others?'" Martin Luther King Jr.

✉ Mr. Ketterman

Online Learning Support

Grades 9-12

We’re deep into the winter months now, and I know it can feel like a long haul—especially if you're juggling studies, online classes, and the general grayness of the season. But hang in there! A few reminders to help keep you going:

1. Routine is your friend: Even if you're not leaving the house, try to keep a steady schedule. It’ll help you stay grounded and feel more productive.

2. Stay connected: Online learning can sometimes feel isolating. Reach out to your classmates or even just chat about non-school stuff. It’s nice to have those social connections, even virtually.

3. Take breaks: Don’t forget to step away from your screen. Stretch, go for a walk, or just relax for a bit. Mental health is key, especially during the colder months.

4. Get creative with your space: Maybe add some cozy blankets or warm lighting to your study space—it can make a difference to your mood.

5. Keep perspective: Winter doesn’t last forever. We’re getting closer to brighter days, so take it one step at a time and be kind to yourself.

You’ve got this—stay strong! And if things get tough, remember to reach out for support when you need it.

✉ Mrs. DelBaugh

Online Learning Support

Grades 9-12

Don't let any tech frustrations hold you back from learning and making progress!

If you're having trouble navigating the course, reach out!

For any technology issues with the course, reach out!

If you're experiencing unstable or no internet at home, feel free to email anyone on the ExCEL Team—WSSD is here to help you!

It's fantastic that you can access your coursework on the weekends! Just a friendly reminder to avoid saving everything for Saturday or Sunday night. Keep in mind that if you run into any tech problems over the weekend, you’ll still be responsible for any unfinished work. So, be sure to plan your time effectively!

Mrs. Rizzardo, Online Learning Assistant Principal drizzardo@wssd.k12.pa.us

Mrs. Sanders, Online Learning Manager brsanders@wssd.k12.pa.us

Ms. Peters, Online Learning Advisor mhodson@wssd.k12.pa.us

Mrs. Cummings, Online Learning Counselor grades 9-12 mcummings@wssd.k12.pa.us

Mrs. DelBaugh, Online Learning Support grades 9-12 ldelbaugh@wssd.k12.pa.us

Mr. Ketterman, Online Learning Support grades 9-12 mketterman@wssd.k12.pa.us

Mrs. Fox, Online Learning Support grades 1-8 afox@wssd.k12.pa.us