ExCEL Weekly
September 22 2023
Now that we’re through the first marking period, I hope you have figured out how to navigate ExCEL successfully! Do you have a schedule? Do you know how to manage your time? Are you sometimes frustrated with yourself because it’s the end of the week and you’re still behind on your assignments?
I completely understand! Sometimes I feel rushed because I don’t always plan my day like I should. BUT since I’m pretty old and have a lot of experience, I might know some helpful things.
Here are some things that might make your day a little easier:
Wake up at the same time every day and have a morning routine. Shower? A granola bar or eggs and bacon for breakfast? Some delicious coffee (or juice, of course!)?
Write out a daily schedule and display it at your workspace. Try to stick to it as much as possible.
Adjust your schedule if it doesn’t work!
Plan plenty of breaks. This is one of the benefits of ExCEL… you can take creative breaks! Go for a walk, play with your dog, eat a yummy snack, jump in a pile of leaves!
Work in chunks of time that make sense for you. If you can concentrate for 3 hours straight, great! If you can only concentrate for 30 minutes, that works too!
Choose the time when your brain works best. Do you prefer mornings, afternoons or evenings?
Lastly, if you can’t figure out a schedule for yourself, ask someone on the ExCEL team. We love helping out!
If I was a high school ExCEL student, my schedule would look something like this:
I would try to focus really hard and get all my work finished Monday through Thursday, so I wouldn’t even have to work on Friday! That means I might have to add some extra hours to my schedule, but for me it would be worth it.
Here’s this month’s challenge, if you’re up for it: take a picture of your daily schedule and send it to my email, drizzardo@wssd.k12.pa.us. I’d love to see how you schedule ExCEL in your life.
Until next time,
Assistant Principal
ExCEL Virtual Learning Academy
Curriculum Corrections
Attention all users! With many new students joining us this since the start of school, we want to remind you about the importance of reporting any curriculum corrections. As you navigate your courses, if you come across any mistakes—like typos, missing information, or incorrect answer options—please let us know! You can send your observations to Mrs. Sanders at brsanders@wssd.k12.pa.us. Make sure to include the course name, part number, lesson number, a description of the issue, and a screenshot. We will forward this information to CAIU, who will collaborate with the vendor to address the problems. Thank you for your assistance!
Emails
To get in touch with ExCEL staff, please make sure to use only the email addresses provided at the end of this newsletter. Unfortunately, replying to emails from @geniusis or @user.smore will not connect you with us.
Life after high school can feel daunting for many. This transition is significant for everyone. If you're a freshman or sophomore, it's a great idea to start considering your future now. It will arrive faster than you might expect. Even if your plans shift over the years or right before graduation, having a plan and setting goals is beneficial. Whether your aim is to enter the workforce, join the military, or pursue further education, it's never too early to begin planning. For additional information and useful resources, please visit: Life After High School
School Counselor
Miss Peters
Setting up a dedicated study area is super important for online high school students who want to boost their productivity and stay focused. Having a specific spot for studying helps create a clear line between schoolwork and downtime, making it easier to dive into lessons and assignments. Whether it’s a cozy nook in your room or a specific desk in a common area, having your own study space lets you customize it with all your essentials, like books and supplies. This not only gives you a sense of control over your learning but also cuts down on distractions, helping you really engage with your studies and manage your time better. So, take a moment to create a space that motivates you!
Online Learning Advisor
717-938-9577 ext 43087
Mr. Ketterman
November is a month of gratitude and appreciation for what we have. School gives us important knowledge that can benefit our future. It's incredible how education comes in many forms and is found everywhere. No matter who you are or where you come from, everyone can learn in unique ways to support their community, no matter their job. Education has enriched my life and opened up opportunities that have improved my family's life. I've traveled, had memorable experiences, met new people, and helped others – all because of education and learning. When education serves a good purpose, it allows us to make a positive difference in others' lives and adds value to our own. Take this opportunity to make an impact and pursue what you believe is your true path. Enjoy your well-deserved break in November.
“Intelligence plus character-that is the goal of true education.” ― Martin Luther King Jr.
Online Learning Support
Grades 9-12
📢 Big shout out to all the online teachers out there! 🌍✨
You’re not just teaching from a screen; you’re opening doors, inspiring minds, and building futures from miles away. Your creativity, resilience, and dedication to each lesson make learning accessible and engaging in ways we never imagined possible.
Thank you for the early mornings, the late nights, and the endless patience it takes to master tech glitches, create interactive lessons, and keep students motivated. You’re making a real difference every day, bringing knowledge, hope, and connection into homes worldwide.
Keep shining, educators! You’re amazing! 🎉📚💻
