The Agora Pulse
January 2024
Agora Vitals with Dr. Butler
“A goal without a plan is just a wish” – Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Agora’s School Improvement Plan drives the direction and focus of our school. Since 2018, we have held the same long-term goals of improving student outcomes in literacy, mathematics, and graduation rates. Even though those goals remain constant, the action plan changes every year based on our progress, challenges, and evolving student needs.
Click HERE to read more about the plan and celebrate some amazing student and parent volunteers.
Academic Calendar 2023-2024
As we head into the second half of the year, we want to highlight the importance of staying informed about upcoming events. The school calendar is a resource that outlines key dates, such as holidays, parent-teacher conferences, and other significant events. Download the calendar by clicking Agora Academic Calendar.
February 5: Board Meeting @ 4:00 PM, Board Docs
February 7: (AM) Asynch Day for Students Grades K-12 / Parent-Teacher Conferences Grades K-8 / (PM) Staff In-Service / (Evening) Parent-Teacher Conferences Grades K-12 now including Conference Night Extended Sessions (CoNES)
February 8-9: Asynch Days for Students Grades K-8 / Parent-Teacher Conferences Grades K-8
February 19: Presidents’ Day, School/Office Closed
February 21: (AM) Half Day for Students / (PM) Asynch for Students; Staff In-Service
High School Proms 2024
It's almost Prom Season! All enrolled high school students are invited to Agora's 2024 Proms! This year, we are hosting three regional proms across the state. For specific details on locations, dates, and times, please refer to the attachment below. Stay tuned for additional information on pricing and other exciting details!
Agora's in-person graduation ceremony will be on Wednesday, June 5, 2024 @ 4:00 PM, at the Giant Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania. No tickets are required for this event and you are welcome to invite guests. For more information, please visit the Agora Resource Community (ARC app) in ClassLink! Go to Our School, High School, and then select Graduation from the drop-down menu! We hope you can join us for this special occasion.
Parent Learning Series - Making the Most of Parent Teacher Conferences
Join the Parent Engagement Team as we share practical tips on how to prepare for Parent Teacher Conferences. This session will provide you with the tools and knowledge needed to make the most of the dedicated conference time. During the session, we will discuss how the conferences contribute to your student's academic success and the insights you can gain about your student's progress.
Topic: Making the Most of Parent Teacher Conferences
Date: Wednesday, January 31, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Click here to join the meeting
Conference Night Extended Sessions (CoNES)
On Wednesday evening, February 7th, we are inviting you to meet our dedicated staff and participate in extended opportunities from various departments. Explore and gain insight into Agora's offerings at our upcoming CoNES. There will be various topics and sessions offered through the evening starting from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM. Stop by, explore, and chat with us!
What to Expect
Meet and Greet: Connect with our school staff, administrators, and support teams who are here to make your child's educational journey exceptional.
Interactive Sessions: Immerse yourself in engaging informational sessions hosted by different departments. Learn about our curriculum, activities, and support services tailored to meet the diverse needs of our students.
Q&A Opportunities: Have questions about your child's education? Our staff is ready to provide answers and insights during the evening sessions.
Re-Registration Opens on February 22nd!
Mark Your Calendar! We are excited to announce that re-registration for the 2024-2025 School Year will open on Thursday, February 22, 2024! Check your email for detailed instructions in the coming weeks, and let's continue to make a positive impact on your child's educational journey together. We appreciate your continued partnership and look forward to another year of growth and achievement.
National School Choice Week - Protect School Choice!
School Choice is a privilege, but not a guarantee! Lawmakers may decide to cut funding for our school or eliminate choice. Your voice is important and can help shape the future of education in PA. Take a moment to share your family's story with your local legislator! Click the link below to find your local lawmakers and use the templates to email or post your story on Facebook or X.
Please take a moment to visit Link: Ways to Reach Out and discover how you can effectively connect with your local legislator. Agora is committed to providing a quality choice for families across the state and would be honored if you'd join us in advocating to keep this option available for all students.
Listen to the recording of Agora's Choice Champion Celebration Event!
Recordings of Parent Learning Series
Unlock Your Child's Academic Success with Sapphire SIS!
The Parent Engagement Team hosted a parent session on Sapphire SIS, our new Student Information System. This powerful tool can be your key to unlocking deeper insights into your child's academic progress and fostering a stronger partnership with the school.
To access the recording click the link below:
Motivating Young Learners (K-5)
An informative and engaging parent session on Motivating Young Children, hosted by Agora’s School Counselor, Susanne Klein. Children are very influenced by our actions and behavior at a young age. It is important that we set a foundation that encourages students to love learning at home and in school.
To access the recording click the link below:
Recording: Motivating Young Learners (K-5)
College and Career Events
ParentSquare Help Sessions - February and March
ParentSquare is a free and easy-to-use communication tool that helps Agora stay connected with parents. It allows Agora to send messages, announcements, and other important information.
Need help setting up your account?
Join a ParentSquare Account Set Up Help Session. These sessions are designed to help you set up your ParentSquare account and learn how to use the app to stay connected with Agora!
Second Wednesday in February and March (2/14/24 and 3/13/24) @ 3:00 PM
Click HERE to join on your computer, mobile app or personal device
Download the ParentSquare App:
iOS App - Apple Store or Android App - Google Play
Additional ParentSquare Resources:
Thank You To Staff: February
We are immensely proud of our staff's unwavering dedication and hard work in making Agora a haven of learning, growth, and belonging. They consistently go above and beyond to ensure that every student feels seen, valued, and heard. Their commitment to fostering an inclusive and welcoming community has earned them the admiration of parents and students alike. We are incredibly fortunate to have them as part of the Agora family.
Click HERE to See Who Was Thanked for February!
We want to keep the thank you initiative going. Please take a moment to think about a staff member who has made a difference in your child's life. Maybe they have gone above and beyond to help your child succeed academically or socially. Maybe they have created a positive and supportive learning environment for your child. Or maybe they have simply been a kind and caring presence in your child's life.
No matter why you choose to thank a staff member, your message will be greatly appreciated. Thank yous can be made for any staff member, including teachers, administrators, and support staff. Staff who are thanked by you will be highlighted in the next Agora Pulse Newsletter and celebrated internally by their department. Submit a Thank You HERE
Literacy Updates
- Virtual Book Store: Agora’s Virtual Book Store is always open! Agora always receives at least 15% of sales, which funds regional literacy events around the state. Grow your home library while supporting literacy across Agora!
- Mobile Library: Agora’s mobile library is on the go again this year! Reach out to your family coach for more details on where and when you can borrow books.
- HS Writes the Rotten Tomato Challenge: This challenge began on December 18th for our HS students. They will have the opportunity to share their opinion regarding which is better - the book or the movie. This challenge will be open until January 26th. A student who completes the challenge in its entirety will be randomly selected to receive a prize. High School Writes the Rotten Tomato
- Virtual Library Escape Rooms: Join the fun in a virtual library escape room! Please RSVP below and the link will be on your class connect. Space is limited.
Grades K-2 - February 9
- 9 am - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/780854806747?aff=oddtdtcreator
- 11 am - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/780929780997?aff=oddtdtcreator
Grades 3-5 - February 9
- 10 am - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/780932087897?aff=oddtdtcreator
- 12 pm - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/780936129987?aff=oddtdtcreator
Grades 6-8 - February 8
- 11 am - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/780938797967?aff=oddtdtcreator
- 1 pm - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/780942719697?aff=oddtdtcreator
Grades 9-12 - February 7
- 12 pm - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/780949399677?aff=oddtdtcreator
- 1 pm - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/780951144897?aff=oddtdtcreator
Family Mental Health
The International Boost Self-Esteem Month is annually observed in February. It is a period set aside in the year to help us believe in and appreciate ourselves more, despite whatever we may be facing. With high self-esteem, one can prevent many problems, like mental health disorders, and enjoy good overall health and a state of well-being. Click HERE for wellness tips and ways to boost self-esteem!
School Attendance - How Sick Is Too Sick To Attend Cyber School?
It is cold and flu season as well as the continued spread of COVID 19. At Agora, we are in a unique situation when considering illness and school attendance due to our cyber educational model. Through this model, students access virtual classrooms from the comfort of their homes. However, we understand that students may face health-related issues. Click HERE for general advice when deciding if your child is too sick to attend cyber school.
