The Agora Pulse

We hope this message finds you enjoying a wonderful Spring Break filled with rest, relaxation, and memorable experiences. We understand that many of you are currently away from your usual routines, taking this opportunity to recharge and rejuvenate with family and friends. However, we wanted to ensure you stay informed and connected, even during this time away. Be sure to read the April newsletter as we get ready for Spring state testing, prom season, and graduation!

April is National Poetry Month! The Academy of American Poets initiated the first-ever National Poetry Month in 1996; since then it has become “the largest literary celebration in the world” according to the Academy of American Poets. If you'd like to find some great ways to share in this celebration of words with your student, click HERE.

We can't wait to begin Agora's springtime adventures together! We invite you to join us in celebrating the achievements and successes of our students as they continue to blossom academically, creatively, and personally. Click on the grade band newsletters below for events and exciting news!

As we get ready for Spring, we want to highlight the importance of staying informed about upcoming events. The school calendar is a resource that outlines key dates, such as asynchronous learning days, Spring Break, and other significant events.

Academic School Calendars:

2023-2024 Agora Academic Calendar

2024-2025 Agora Academic Calendar (Preview)

April 1: Asynchronous Day for Students | Staff In-Service | Board Meeting @ 4:00 PM, Board Docs

April 3: (AM) Half Day for Students | (PM) Asynch for students; Staff In-Service | High School Assembly with Guest Speaker, Nikki Johnson-Alfano, Esq. @ 12:00 PM | Parent Session: PSSA Testing @ 3:00 PM

April 5: Quarter 3 Report Cards Published

April 10: Eid-al-Fitr, School/Office Closed

April 17: Parent Session: Keystone Exams and Act 158 @ 3:00 PM

April 22-May 10: PSSA Testing Window

It's not too late! Re-registration for the 2024-2025 school year is still open! The process is easy to complete and the re-registration portal is available in the Online School (OLS). Below are the steps to walk you through the process. Please note that only the Legal Guardian can complete the re-registration process.

Click on the link: STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Nikki Johnson-Alfano, Esq. (Formerly Nikki Johnson-Huston) is an unlikely success story. Born into poverty, she was homeless at age 9, failed out of college by age 18, and by age 30, Nikki was a law school graduate with a J.D., MBA and LL.M in Taxation all earned at the same time in only 4 years. https://homelesstolawyer.com/

CLICK ON HER PICTURE TO HEAR HER STORY!

Nikki-Johnson-Alfano will be a guest speaker at an upcoming virtual assembly for all high school students who wish to attend. Nikki is also a successful award-winning attorney and frequent speaker about how she overcame a life of poverty and homelessness to achieve her dreams. She will share her very personal story of how she got her life back on track, fought through adversity and never gave up on her dreams. The assembly is optional. Assembly details will be sent via email.

Date: Wednesday, April 3, 2024

Time: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

Online: Link Found On Class Connect Schedule

You're invited to Agora's parent sessions focused on state testing, including the PSSA and Keystone exams. Facilitated by our very own Dan Feldhaus, Agora's Director of State Testing, these sessions promise to be invaluable opportunities for parents to gain insights into these assessments and understand their significance in your child's educational journey.

It's 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 details on each prom and ticket purchasing information, refer to the attachment below or click this link: REGIONAL PROM TICKET SALES

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. We hope you can join us for this special occasion!

College and career events can provide you with the resources and information you need to assist your student in making the best choices for their future. Kristin Thatcher, Agora's College and Career Readiness Coordinator, can offer resources and advice to help students on their journey towards a successful future. You can connect with Kristin at kthatcher@agora.org. To view events happening across the state, download the PDF below.

If you happened to miss our recent technology session, don't worry. We've got you covered! Whether you're new to Agora or seeking to enhance your technological proficiency, this session covered everything from fundamental concepts to advanced topics like artificial intelligence and social media dynamics. The session was packed with valuable insights and practical tips aimed at navigating the digital learning landscape.

You can still catch up on all the valuable information by watching the recording and by clicking on the technology resource hub link:

Session Recording Link: Technology Basics Session Recording

Technology Resource Guide: Technology Basics Hub Guide

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. 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

April marks Stress Awareness Month, a time when we reflect on the impact of stress on our lives and explore ways to manage it effectively. As we navigate through the challenges of academic demands, extracurricular activities, and personal commitments, it is important to recognize the signs of stress and take proactive steps to address them. Click HERE for ways to promote mental well-being and engage in activities that promote relaxation.

• Virtual Book Fair: 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!
• Reading Challenge: SPRING into reading by joining the Spring Reading Challenge! Entries are due Friday, April 12.
• Reading Area Event: Live in the Reading area? Love to learn about the stars? Join fellow Agora students on Wednesday, April 3, at the Reading Museum’s Planetarium. As an added bonus, attendees will have the opportunity to receive free books about the universe. Simply sign up using Eventbrite in Classlink.