ExCEL Weekly

Dear ExCEL Students,

Were you ever in a situation where you feel completely lost, but you still don’t want to ask for help? I’m not sure why, but asking for help is really challenging for many of us. We just want to figure out things ourselves, and we get easily frustrated when we can’t!

Maybe it makes us feel like we’re not smart enough, or we think we know better than other people. Maybe we feel uncomfortable taking the first step to actually send the message or make the phone call. We would rather just Google our questions or watch a Youtube video. Don’t get me wrong, Google and Youtube are my friends too, but sometimes we just need to talk to another human!

I can tell you this is never more true than with the ExCEL program! Sometimes you can’t submit an assignment or the platform isn’t working like you know it should. Sometimes you just can’t figure out how to do a math problem or start a writing assignment. This is why you need the team of people that are here for you! We love helping students. We’ll always take the time for you.

~ Mrs. Rizzardo

Red Land ~ Grade 11

Jenee is an exemplary digital learner. She not only thrives in her demanding courses but also ensures that her work meets the highest standards. Jenee takes great care in her responses and puts in the effort to grasp the concepts completely. She regularly makes use of her resources, participates in scheduled Zoom sessions, and her commitment and hard work have really shown results! We are incredibly proud of you, Jenee! 👏

Old Trail ~ Grade 6

Kyleigh has shown remarkable reliability as an online learner, consistently completing assignments, participating in discussions, and managing her time effectively. Her focus and self-discipline reflect her commitment to education, evident in her coursework. Her determination deserves recognition and celebration.!👏

Keep an eye out for our 2025 Sumer Program announcement - details coming soon!

We will be offering both Credit Acceleration and Credit Recovery via ExCEL and Schoology.

You might come across the terms “guardian” and “learning coach” being used interchangeably. A guardian or learning coach is the adult who provides support to the learner at home. This role is essential for keeping students engaged and helping them succeed.

CHECK PROGRESS ROUTINELY

Try to establish a set, routine time to check on your learners' progress several times a week.

This allows you to intervene quickly, should your learner have trouble.

CLEARLY COMMUNICATE EXPECTATIONS

Sit down with your learner and clearly outline your expectations.

Review all course expectations with your learner.

Knowing what to do is key to your students success.

ASK QUESTIONS!

Don’t hesitate to ask questions of your student, instructors or advisors. These individuals are here to support you & your learner.

Teach your learner how to ask for help.

COMMUNICATE FREQUENTLY

Stay in regular communication with your learners advisor and instructors.

Sit with your learner and review their communications, assisting them to appropriately communicate.

Communication is key to success.

STICK TO A SCHEDULE

Develop a schedule for coursework that fits your home routine.

Sticking to a schedule allows for better planning and organization for your learner.

Flexibility is a huge benefit.

Additional Resources are linked HERE on our webpage.

Creating a strong resume is an essential skill for everyone. We support students in developing this skill during their high school years. Naviance features a dedicated resume builder that enables students to create, print, and take their resumes with them after graduation. This tool also assists students in recalling and organizing their high school experiences, including summer jobs, internships, clubs, and any honors they have achieved. For additional details, please check out: Naviance

✉Mrs. Cummings

School Counselor

For online students, a solid strategy to stay on top of your studies is to aim for around an hour of focus on each course daily. This regular commitment keeps you engaged without the stress. This helps you learn at a comfortable pace and avoid those last-minute panic assignments. By dedicating an hour to each subject, you’ll not only get through the material but also improve your understanding of the content that you’re learning. To make it work, schedule specific times for each class every day, and don’t forget to take breaks to keep your mind energized and effective throughout the day. If you need help navigating this, don’t hesitate to reach out!

✉ Ms. Peters

Online Learning Advisor

717-938-9577 ext 43087

Regularly monitoring your learning platform for updates and new assignments is essential for staying on track. Establishing a dedicated study space and creating a structured study schedule can significantly minimize distractions. Actively participating in online support and collaborating closely with your learning support teacher will enhance your educational experience. Should you encounter any questions or challenges, it is crucial to reach out to your teacher or monitor promptly. Timely submission of assignments, along with adherence to formatting requirements, is vital for academic success.

Effective time management is key to meeting all deadlines successfully. Practicing proper online etiquette and maintaining appropriate communication are equally important. Utilize the various learning tools and resources provided by your school to maximize your learning potential. Remember to take regular breaks to avoid burnout and maintain your concentration. If you experience difficulties with a subject or face technical challenges, do not hesitate to ask for assistance. Additionally, keep a close eye on due dates, ensure a reliable internet connection for critical sessions, and safeguard your personal information by using strong passwords.

Mr. Ketterman’s Zoom Link and Office Hours

https://wssd-k12-pa-us.zoom.us/j/83668397353?pwd=PNyvj3Hdp0yhWrnGoE669Q52xlGhpU.1

Office hours are from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.

✉ Mr. Ketterman

Online Learning Support

Grades 9-12

I hope you're all doing well and staying focused. As we continue our online journey together, I just wanted to take a moment to remind you of some important study habits that will help you succeed.

1. Consistency is key! Set aside regular time each day to study and review. Even 30 minutes can make a big difference over time.

2. Break it down! Don’t try to tackle everything at once. Break your work into smaller, manageable chunks. This makes studying less overwhelming.

3. Stay organized! Keep track of assignments, deadlines, and materials in one place so nothing slips through the cracks.

4. Ask for help when needed! Whether it's from me or from your peers, don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re stuck or need clarification on something.

5. Take breaks! Your brain needs rest. Remember to step away from your work every so often to recharge.

You're all capable of achieving great things—stay positive and keep pushing forward. I’m here to support you every step of the way!

Keep up the great work!

✉ Mrs. DelBaugh

Online Learning Support

Grades 9-12

Don't let any tech frustrations hold you back from learning and making progress!

If you're having trouble navigating the course, reach out!

For any technology issues with the course, reach out!

If you're experiencing unstable or no internet at home, feel free to email anyone on the ExCEL Team—WSSD is here to help you!

It's fantastic that you can access your coursework on the weekends! Just a friendly reminder to avoid saving everything for Saturday or Sunday night. Keep in mind that if you run into any tech problems over the weekend, you’ll still be responsible for any unfinished work. So, be sure to plan your time effectively!

Mrs. Rizzardo, Online Learning Assistant Principal drizzardo@wssd.k12.pa.us

Mrs. Sanders, Online Learning Manager brsanders@wssd.k12.pa.us

Ms. Peters, Online Learning Advisor mhodson@wssd.k12.pa.us

Mrs. Cummings, Online Learning Counselor grades 9-12 mcummings@wssd.k12.pa.us

Mrs. DelBaugh, Online Learning Support grades 9-12 ldelbaugh@wssd.k12.pa.us

Mr. Ketterman, Online Learning Support grades 9-12 mketterman@wssd.k12.pa.us

Mrs. Fox, Online Learning Support grades 1-8 afox@wssd.k12.pa.us