Virtual Academy

As we welcome November, I want to take a moment to reflect on all we have to be thankful for within our KCSD Virtual Academy community. I am grateful for our students’ hard work, our families’ encouragement, and the dedication of our teachers and staff who support learning each day.

Whether students are learning from home, participating in a blended schedule, or visiting our district facilities for additional support, each student is an important part of the Keystone Central School District. Our Virtual Academy offers the flexibility of online learning while keeping students connected to athletics, clubs, activities, school events, and career experiences. I encourage you to take advantage of these opportunities to connect with classmates and explore your interests.

As the school year continues, please keep building strong routines, staying on pace with coursework, and communicating with your teachers and advisors. Take pride in the progress you have made, and remember that asking for help is an important part of learning. You are not learning alone—our team is here to support you.

November also reminds us to show appreciation for the people who make a difference in our lives. A simple thank-you to a teacher, family member, or friend can go a long way. I encourage our students to take a moment this month to recognize someone who has helped them along the way.

As Thanksgiving approaches, I hope you find time to rest, enjoy time with loved ones, and reflect on the things you are thankful for. Thank you for the trust you place in us and for being a valued part of our school community.

Wishing you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving and a restful holiday break!

November 12 - Open House/Conferences (1/2 day), 3hr early dismissal

November 25 thru December 1 - Thanksgiving Break - No School

School Calendar

Please Note: Updated District Calendar

The district has an updated calendar. Monday, April 19, 2027, has been designated as a school make-up day. Students, please make sure to update your calendars accordingly!

Being a KCSD Virtual Academy student means you remain part of the Keystone Central School District community.

Virtual Academy students can continue to take advantage of opportunities available through KCSD, including:

Athletics • Clubs • Activities • School Events • Career Exploration • Co-Op/Internship Opportunities • College and Career Resources

Students can have the flexibility of virtual learning without giving up their connection to their school, classmates, teachers, activities, and community.

If there is something you would like to participate in, reach out and ask us about it!

Successful virtual learning is about much more than simply logging into a computer.

Students should establish a regular school-day routine and make consistent progress in each course. Waiting until the end of the week—or the end of the marking period—to complete large amounts of work can quickly make online learning overwhelming.

Students are expected to:

• Log in regularly and check messages from teachers and Virtual Academy staff.
• Complete assignments according to their course pacing expectations.
• Monitor grades and missing assignments.
• Communicate with teachers when assistance is needed.
• Participate in required meetings and check-ins.
• Take advantage of available academic support before falling significantly behind.

Don't wait until you're struggling to ask for help. Our goal is to help every student remain successful and on track toward graduation.

• Parents and guardians, please check ClassDojo for your student’s home school regularly. Important announcements, reminders, upcoming events, and opportunities for students are shared there, and we don’t want you to miss out!

  There’s always something happening across KCSD!

  🎶 Music & Arts – Celebrate our students’ talents through concerts and performances.
  🏀Winter Sports – Cheer on our teams and show your KCSD spirit!
  📚 Learning in Action – See hands-on activities and student learning.
  🤝 Community Connections – Discover how our schools connect with local organizations and families.
  📸 Making Memories – Enjoy special moments from classrooms, school events, and activities.

  Virtual Academy families, you are part of your home school community, too! Staying connected is a great way to learn about opportunities to get involved.

• If you need help connecting to ClassDojo, please reach out to Mrs. Germello at tgermello@kcsd.k12.pa.us.

District News & Announcements

KCSD is using ClassDojo to help you stay connected (or reconnect) so you don’t miss any important information from your child’s school or teachers.

We’re also sharing exciting updates and good news on Facebook and Instagram—be sure to follow us there!

Make sure you're connected to receive updates about:

• School events and activities

• Important deadlines and assignments

• Emergency alerts, delays, dismissals, and closures

Stay informed and stay involved!

Federal Programs Updates

All elementary schools within the district are Title I schoolwide schools and receive Title I federal funds to support the positions of Interventionist and Title I Associates. We determine how to use the funding to staff our buildings based on family input and our school data. If you are interested in becoming a part of our Title I team, please reach out to your building Interventionist or principal. Our Policy 917/918 meetings are a great place to start, because we always review our School Improvement plans and the most updated school data during those meetings.

At all school levels, we use Title IV federal funds to purchase incentives for PBIS (our positive school-wide behavior supports) rewards, and we emphasize the goal of following school rules in all schools.

Required documents for families:

Right to Request Qualifications of Teachers (see Annual Notices and Policy Review button above) - if you wish to request a paper copy, please contact jevey@kcsd.k12.pa.us.

Note: If your child is taught for four or more weeks by a teacher who is instructing in a content area for which they are not currently certified, the district must notify you. Four-week notification letters will be added here if that becomes necessary.

Non-Discrimination Statement (see Annual Notices and Policy Review button above) - if you wish to request a paper copy, please contact jevey@kcsd.k12.pa.us.

Math is everywhere! When you measure an ingredient for a recipe, tell time, pay a bill, or look at the daily temperature, you are using math. These activities offer ideas on how to make math fun at home and start building some math skills that kids will use as they get older. Click to learn more!

Video (Spanish Only)

If your family speaks a language other than English, the district has access to translators and interpreters that can accompany you in meetings with teachers and school members. If you would like to be connected with a translator or interpreter please reach out to your child’s teacher or the school guidance counselor. The accessibility features in the top right corner of this Smore allow you to translate this page.

We're so excited to have our schools filled with students and teachers where we can all grow and learn together!

There is so much awesomeness that can be achieved when we're present at school. If something is getting in the way of your student coming to school, please reach out to your student's teacher, school counselor, district social worker, or school nurse. We want to make sure that your student is receiving whatever supports necessary to help them be successful.

REMNDER: As we start a new school year, excuses need to be turned in within 3 days of an absence. Use your school's attendance email to make sure that the excuse notes get turned in on time.

Wildcats on the Prowl: Attendance Matters Now!

SAP

If you are concerned about a student for any reason, you can make a SAP referral. The SAP referral can potentially lead to any needed services and/or supports the student may need to be successful.

Scan the QR code on the picture to make a referral!

Keystone Central School District has School Resource Officers throughout our district who help support the safety and security of our students and staff.

Our School Resource Officers work closely with students, staff, and school administrators to help maintain a safe and secure learning environment.

Our School Resource Officers include:

• Kerry Stover
• Ross Fuller
• Kaitlyn Markle
• Scott VanGorder
• Mike Fetzer

Officer assignments throughout the district will be shared with our school communities as appropriate.

We appreciate the continued partnership and service of our School Resource Officers as we work together to keep our schools safe.

Many questions can arise concerning your child's laptop, internet access, busing information or maybe you'd like to volunteer in your child's school. These links below can help you get answers or point you in the direction of who to speak to.

Are you interested in joining our team? Please click here to see our current open positions!

We are also looking for substitutes in all areas! If you are interested in becoming a substitute teacher, secretary, para educator, food services or custodian click here and get signed up with ESS. ESS is our contracted partner for fulfilling our substitute needs!

Elizabeth Nace is our Personnel Secretary. You can use the information below to contact her, and she will be happy to help you and answer questions!

570-893-4900 x 2319

enace@kcsd.k12.pa.us

86 Administration Drive, Mill Hall, PA 17751

The link in the button above will take you to our Volunteer Application.

You may also complete the Volunteer Application and Disclosure Form at your child's school.

Please note, we do require a new application for each school year.

Clearances are also required. Here are the links:

· (Act 34) PA State Police https://epatch.pa.gov/home

· (Act 151) PA Child Abuse https://www.compass.state.pa.us/cwis/public/home

· (Act 114) FBI https://www.identogo.com/locations/pennsylvania

*Volunteer service code : 1KG6ZJ (not for employees or paid staff)

Mandated Reporter Training http://www.reportabusepa.pitt.edu/

Elizabeth Nace is our Personnel Secretary & Volunteer Specialist. You can use the information below to contact her, and she will be happy to help you and answer questions!

570-893-4900 x 2319

https://www.kcsd.us/district-offices/human-resources/volunteer-information

mailto:enace@kcsd.k12.pa.us or mailto:personnel@kcsd.k12.pa.us

86 Administration Drive, Mill Hall, PA 17751

virtualacademy@kcsd.k12.pa.us- Reach out with any questions or concerns you may have

vaattendance2@kcsd.k12.pa.us- Send us your medical excuses here. Please remember attendance for virtual academy is keeping up with your schoolwork.