PLA Virtual News
Phalen Virtual Leadership Academy
"Bytes" From Your School Leader, Dr. Townsend
January 12, 2024
Greetings Phalen Virtual Leadership Academy Families,
Happy Friday! Are you ready for a 3-day weekend? Welcome to our first Friday PLA Virtual Parent Newsletter of 2024, Week 23. It was a pleasure seeing all the beautiful faces of our scholars as they were actively participating in class this week. I know for some scholars and families, it was a challenge to get back into the swing of things, as the evenings of staying up late and waking up whenever have come to an end.
Happy Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr Day that we will celebrate on Monday, January 15, 2024. It is a designated day of service to give back and do something that will help make our world a better place. One act of kindness or a simple smile can change someone's life, as we never know what a person is going through. Interesting fact...Did you know that our School Founder/CEO, Mr. Earl Martin Phalen, is named after one of the most Prominent Leaders, Minister, Civil Rights Activist, Political Philosopher and Legend, THE Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
We hope you enjoy the upgrades we have made to this weekly communication for Semester 2. As a reminder, if there is any information that you would like shared with you by PLA Virtual, please do not hesitate to reply to this email and the messages will be sent directly to me, Dr. Townsend.
Join us on Facebook and click the "like" button to follow and see all the many great things happening at PLA Virtual.
We look forward to seeing your scholar(s) on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at 8:35am for Week 24 at PLA Virtual!
With Gratitude,
Dr. Townsend, Principal
'Everybody can be great -- because anybody can serve'
-Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Join Seeds of Caring for our free MLK Day of Service and help us share this message with youth across Indianapolis. Together, we can make Monday, January 15 a day on, and not a day off. With the generous support of WISH-TV and other sponsors, and in partnership with Madam Walker Legacy Center, Seeds of Caring will have multiple stations set up where kids, ages 2-12, can contribute to their community in meaningful ways in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Activities will include assembling dental care kits for neighbors experiencing hard times, decorating and packing snack bags for unhoused neighbors, making “Use Your Voice” posters, designing bookmarks for seniors, and creating take-home art inspired by MLK's legacy. Community partners will also be on site to educate and engage with participants.
Parking and other info for 1/15/24
Location:
Madam Walker Legacy Center
617 Indiana Ave
Indianapolis, IN 46202
Scholar Led PVTV (Phalen Virtual Television)
Click Below to View Each Weekly Episode
At PLA Virtual, we firmly believe that our parents' voices play a pivotal role in shaping our school's growth and development. Your feedback and insights provide invaluable guidance as we work towards enhancing the educational experience for our scholars.
We kindly request a small favor from you! We would greatly appreciate it if you could take just 2 minutes of your time to share your thoughts and experiences about our school by leaving a Google Review. Your honest feedback will not only help us understand what we're doing well but also highlight areas where we can improve further.
Your review will directly impact other parents who are considering our school for their children's education. By sharing your firsthand experiences, you can provide them with valuable insights that will aid them in making informed decisions.
Thank you once again for being an integral part of our school family. We look forward to hearing your thoughts and insights through your Google Review.
Introducing to some and presenting to others...
Our Very Own, 4th and 5th Grade ELA Teacher Extraordinaire, Mrs. Megan Brady
Rent Assistance: IERA2 Program
Renters facing eviction can apply for IERA2, which offers emergency rental aid, legal assistance, and tenant-landlord settlement conferences. To apply, call 211 and mention “rental assistance” or visit IndianaHousingNow.org.
Direct Utility Assistance:
Facing disconnection? Reach out to your utility provider for payment plans. Citizens Energy and AES Indiana offer information on discounts, credits, and payment extensions. Citizens Energy provides details on its Warm Heart Warm Home grants. Call 317-924-3311 for more information.
Winter Assistance Fund:
United Way of Central Indiana: Residents not eligible for the Energy Assistance Program can explore the United Way’s Winter Assistance Fund. Running from January to May 2024, this fund helps with utility bills. Visit the United Way’s website or call 211 to learn more.
Free Winter Clothing:
Several organizations offer free winter clothing:
Assistance League Indianapolis: Provides new school uniform clothing, athletic shoes, and supplies through Operation School Bell. Call 317-872-1010.
Lambswear: Distributes gently used clothing to children. Call 317-721-1664.
Horizon House: Accepts donations of blankets, thermal underwear, coats, and more. Call 317-423-8909.
Catholic Charities Indianapolis Crisis Office: Provides free clothing and assistance. Call 317-236-1512.
Tech Support @PLA Virtual
Complete Form Below and we will start troubleshooting your needs!
2023-2024 School Events
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr Holiday (School Closed for Scholars, Teachers and Staff)
Monday, January 15, 2024
Semester 1 Report Cards Available Upon Request
Friday, January 19, 2024
All families can view Semester 1 final grades using the PowerSchool Parent Portal
Semester 1 report cards will not be mailed home, unless requested by the parent
Grades 7-12 "Realize Your Dreams" Inspiration Session with Jasmine Elizabeth
Monday, January 22, 2024
3:50pm-4:30pn
K-12 Visual Art Show
Wednesday, January 31, 2024
Staff Professional Development (No School for Scholars)
Friday, February 2, 2024
K-12 Virtual Science Fair
Thursday, February 29, 2024
Click to Follow Us On Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!
Download our APP!
The latest news and information from schools in the Phalen Leadership Academies Network are now available on smartphones and mobile devices with a new mobile app launching today. PLA is working to expand its communications outreach with a mobile app that is now available in the online iTunes® and Google Play® app stores for free.
The mobile app will offer a constantly updated feed of school and network news and events with photos and links to PLA school websites. The app can also be customized by the user by selecting the schools they are most interested in for news and updates. Users can also choose to receive push notifications to get breaking news, updates about school closures, calendar changes, or even sports updates.
Have Questions? Contact Us Today!
Phalen Virtual Leadership Academy (PLA Virtual) is a tuition-free online learning academy for Indiana families in grades K-12. We are backed by an accredited university to help empower our scholars and families to accelerate academic success with high-quality curriculum taught in their own environment. We use technology to provide interactive and rigorous online classes that allow our scholars to learn and thrive. Our scholars excel not just in academics, but also socially and emotionally with a blend of online coursework and options to engage in sports and enrichment at a local PLA campus.
Email: ttownsend@phalenacademies.org
Website: PLAVirtual.org
Location: Indiana, USA
Phone: 317.939.3787
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PhalenLeadershipAcademies
Twitter: @AcademiesPhalen