January Newsletter
21st Century Cyber Charter School 2018
Happy New Year
School is back in session January 2, 2018.
Quarter 2 is coming to a close. Students can submit work in quarter 2 of their classes until 4PM on January 10, 2018.
Quarter 3 will begin January 12, 2018 at 8AM.
A Note from the High School Principal, Dr. Teresa McSweeney
Happy New Year, 21CCCS Scholars!
Have you made any 2018 resolutions? Historians believe that our tradition of making New Year's resolutions on the first day of the year dates back to the Babylonians over 4,000 years ago.
The Babylonians made promises in hopes of making their new year better than the previous year. Do you suppose ancient Babylonians made resolutions similar to ours?
The 4 most popular student resolutions made in today's society are: Get healthier, Stop procrastinating, Get organized, and Join more clubs.
Do you have similar resolutions, or something entirely different? What will you do to make 2018 your best year, yet?
This year, I plan to keep my resolutions simple. 1. Do one thing every day that makes someone else happy. 2. Enjoy the act of doing one thing every day that makes someone else happy.
As you make your own resolutions and set your goals for 2018, remember these words from my grandmother:
A Note from the Middle School Principal, Mrs. Monica Frank
Happy New Year, parents and students. I hope you were able to take a moment to relax during the last week. The new year is often a time to reflect on the previous year and set goals for the year ahead. Students, take a moment and reflect on the school goals you set for 2017 and make a new school goal for 2018. Please remember that your teachers and academic advisor are available to help you create a plan to reach your goals.
A Note from the Director of Special Education, Dr. Nancy Giagnacova
Organization is a skill that is essential in order to be successful. This includes labeling items on your desktop, planning your time, and creating a schedule to follow. As we enter into the second half of the school year, I strongly suggest watching the video created by Mr. Campbell on how to organize your desktop. It will also be helpful for all students to create a schedule with your academic advisor to help you learn time management.
Counselor’s Corner
January 22- January 28th is National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week. Education is a key component to substance prevention. Parents, we know that having a conversation about drugs and alcohol as a family is not an easy one to have. However, your conversation could save your child’s life. Here is a list of some of the top reasons teenagers try alcohol and drugs:
1. Peer Influence – I’m sure you have heard the saying, “You are the company you keep.” Teach your children to stand up to peer pressure and surround themselves with a positive social group.
2. Popular Media – About 45% of teens agree with the statement, “Movies and TV shows make drugs seem like an ok thing to do.” Please discuss appropriate music and movies in your household.
3. Escape and Self-Medication – There is a correlation between mental health and drug use. Students, talk to your families when you are feeling down. Know that there is a School Counseling VO where you can check-in with your counselors if something is on your mind. We love visitors!
4. Boredom- Students, get involved this Quarter! Sign up for a student club, play a sport, volunteer, get a job, exercise, help around the house!
5. Misinformation- Know the facts! Educate yourself on the effects of drugs at drugabuse.gov
Happy New Year to you and yours!
~ Ms. Wark, Mrs. Moynihan, and Ms. Cooke
Field Trips
There is no field trip for the month of January. We look forward to seeing you at Longwood Gardens in February!
Adventure Club
Snowtubing at Big Boulder
RSVP Deadline January 17th
Join the Adventure Club as we return to Big Boulder for the 3rd season in a row to enjoy the winter season. We will meet at Big Boulder's parking lot. For $10/person you get to enjoy snowtubing from 10am to 1pm.
Click here for more information.
Instructional Systems Design (ISD)
The ISD (Instructional Systems Design) team is always looking for new ways to motivate students. This year's focus has been on gamification. The purpose of gamification is to add elements of game-like scenarios to enhance engagement and encourage participation.
We've been slowing introducing a "Level Up" plug-in into a few courses. Using this plug in, students earn XP (experience points) by participating in the course. Teachers have the ability to define what "participation" looks like, but in its general form, students can earn XP by reading lessons, submitting new work, revising old work, being active in student forums, reading the course glossary, etc... As students gain XP, they level up! Badges are available when students hit certain levels.
Another plug in that is on its way is a "Stash" plug-in. As students participate in the course, they can find and collect objects that will go right into their "Stash" area. Stashed objects can be collected to unlock rewards or special sections of the course that contain fun activities. Items can also be combined to make new items for the Stash.
There are many new possibilities we are exploring with the introduction of these two new plug-ins, and we are excited to see how the students respond!
Suggestions Welcome
We want to hear from you!
Do you have a suggestion? Do you have an idea?
Check out our Suggestion Box on the home page of Moodle.
We welcome suggestions from our students and families on how to improve our school.
We look forward to hearing from you.
21st Century Cyber Charter School
126 Wallace Ave
Downingtown, PA 19335
Murrysville Location
221 Blue Spruce Way
Murrysville, PA 15668
Email: enroll@21cccs.org
Website: 21CCCS.org
Phone: 484-875-5400