2017 Citadel Heart of Learning Nominations

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2017 Citadel Heart of Learning Nominations

Take the time and nominate your favorite PALCS teacher for the Citadel Heart of Learning Award today! Students, parents, teachers and administrators can learn about the award and nominate the teacher of their choice here.

All nominations are due by December 31st this year. The Citadel team will then review each nomination and select 15 finalists, including one teacher from each of the 13 area public school districts, one teacher from the Chester County Intermediate Unit, and one teacher from a charter school, non-public school, or homeschool in Chester County (Note: PALCS is a public cyber charter school that is categorized by Citadel with non-public schools and homeschools).

Each of the 15 teachers who are chosen as finalists will receive $500 to use for their class. From the groups of finalists, one high school, one middle school and on elementary school teacher will be chosen. The three winners will the receive the Citadel Heart of Learning Award, along with an additional $1,500 for use in their classes.

Additionally, after the nomination period ends on December 31st, the Citadel Heart of Learning Committee will tally the total number of votes and nominations by school. The three schools with the most votes will earn money for events and assemblies. First place will win $1500, second place will win $750 and third place will win $500.

Citadel Bank has been in business for the past 80 years, with their headquarters located in Exton, PA and 22 branches located in Southeast Pennsylvania. In 2001, they partnered with the Chester County Intermediate Unit to create a program that would recognize and honor local teachers. Since its beginning, the Heart of Learning award has brought recognition to thousands of hardworking and dedicated teachers.

Two PALCS teachers have been honored by Citadel in the past, with one teacher being nominated in 2011 and another winning in 2008.

Take a moment today to show your appreciation for one of your hard working PALCS teachers who have made a difference in your life! Nominate your favorite teacher here!

By PALCS Information Team|2024-07-22T07:03:23-04:00November 10th, 2017|Categories: Latest News, Staff Spotlight|Tags: Awards|

About the Author: PALCS Information Team

The Information Team: This team manages the content on this blog, which provides interesting content related to our school and education at large. The information team also help prospective families on their journey to enrollment.

PALCS offers a Tier 1 public school diploma that is recognized as equal to a traditional brick-and-mortar school by the PA Department of Education and all post-secondary schools. Graduates have the same opportunities as other high school graduates, if not better, as cyber school students can focus on education and learn important self-motivation skills.
PALCS students can start exposure to a foreign language as young as Kindergarten!
The PALCS University Scholars Program hosts two National Academic Quiz Tournament teams that compete and perform well at the national tournament level. A PALCS student was named to the 2016 Pennsylvania National All-Star Scholastic Tournament team.
Students get personalized feedback on assignments.
Students have the opportunity to travel internationally, often for elective credit. Previous travel opportunities have included Costa Rica, Canada, China and Panama.
Students can reach out to their teachers at any time through many outlets: phone, email, instant message, or chat.
PALCS students perform better on standardized testing. In 2018, our students received an average SAT score of 1166 and an average ACT score of 26.1. State averages: 1073 for SAT and 23.7 for ACT.
The PALCS University Scholars Program has a Mock Trial team that has consistently performed well at both county and district levels.
There are a 368 courses available at PALCS. 49 courses are offered to to elementary students, 43 to middle school, and 56 core courses and 101 electives to high school students. For middle and high school students, the University Scholars Program adds an additional 42 courses and the Center for Performing and Fine Arts adds 77.
Students can read and contribute to PA Leadership’s award-winning online student newspaper, “The Talon”, which is edited by students in our Journalism course. PALCS Student Government also produces a newsletter, “The Observer”.
In addition to teachers, PALCS families have access to dedicated guidance counselors and dozens of student services support staff. Help is always just a call or click away!
PALCS has an in-house video production studio so teachers can make dynamic videos for their lessons.
PALCS has an active Student Government. Students can run for office and participate in committees that spearhead projects, events and fundraisers. Student Government also builds leadership skills and offers unique retreats and field trips.
PALCS Center for Performing and Fine Arts students regularly participate in the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association District Orchestra Festival.
Students who are struggling academically receive help from a PALCS Academic Advisor, who will assist students with organization and scheduling, will facilitate communication and will provide additional support.
All PALCS students receive a laptop computer with a webcam, headset microphone, and a printer/copier/scanner. The computer automatically downloads required programs and updates and is filtered for school use.
PALCS supports students from day one with a face-to-face orientation. Families are then guided through an Introduction to Online Learning course as they settle into cyber school.
PALCS offers Homework Help in the evenings. Students can receive live help from a PALCS teacher in the virtual classroom.
PALCS focuses on weekly flexibility. Students can generally work one-to-two weeks ahead in their courses.
Attendance is tracked by logging in on school days, Monday – Friday.
Parents can get involved by joining the monthly Parent Advisory Board. The board meets with the principal monthly to provide feedback and school improvement suggestions.
The PALCS Mascot is the Eagle and the school colors are blue and yellow.
PALCS students are initiated into the National Honor Society and National Junior Honor Society each year in a blended on-site/virtual ceremony.
PALCS graduates have attended schools ranging from small private colleges such as Grove City, Washington and Jefferson, Allegheny, Messiah and LaSalle; major state universities like Penn State, Pitt, Temple and Drexel; and Ivy League schools like Princeton, Harvard and Yale.
The PALCS Network is an online social community and resource for PALCS families to connect with other parents and students. We have optional activities and field trips around the state to keep students engaged and active!
Students do complete physical education in cyber school. Classes teach students the importance of incorporating a regular fitness routine into their daily lives and include many instructional videos.
In 2018, 93 students took 162 AP exams with an average score of 3.9. 87% of these students obtained a score of 3 or higher.
After orientation, the only required travel for students is to complete state-mandated PSSA or Keystone testing, depending on grade level. PALCS has numerous testing facilities throughout the state, making it as convenient as possible for students to attend. PALCS teachers proctor the test so students can meet teachers and other students in their area.
PALCS students can go on many educational, science-related field trips. We’ve gone to Physics Days at Hersheypark and Kennywood, SciTech Days at the Carnegie Science Center, the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh Zoos and more!
Over 150 highly qualified teachers work at PALCS. Teachers work from one of our offices, in either West Chester or Pittsburgh.
PALCS uses a variety of materials from many different publishers: both physical and virtual textbooks, novels, workbooks and/or other types of supplemental content such as websites and educational programs.
PALCS offers the University Scholars Program for gifted and motivated learners. The blended on-site and virtual program offers honors and AP courses to accepted students, though any PALCS student may take up to two AP courses through University Scholars.
PALCS graduates have gone on to a range of careers, including becoming teachers, medical professionals, engineers, performing artists, athletes, and officers in the military.
The guidance department at PALCS offers access to Career Cruising, a website that helps students explore career possibilities.
Students in our art classes receive an art kit with a variety of materials such as paint and clay. Painted or drawn pictures can be scanned into the computer via the provided printer/copier/scanner. Students can use their provided webcam to take a picture of sculptures and models.
PALCS has a yearly commencement in Lancaster for all graduates and families who wish to attend.
PALCS opened its digital doors on September 13, 2004. Over 2000 young adults have graduated from PALCS since the school opened.
PALCS provides computer programs and websites to complete virtual labs for science courses.
Talented PALCS students have performed on many stages and have been heard on the radio across the state. Students have even performed at prestigious Carnegie Hall and on Broadway in New York City.
According to state law, cyber school students may continue to participate in extra-curricular activities and sports through their local schools.
After high school, 79% of the PALCS Class of 2018 chose to further their education with post-secondary school. 18% entered directly into the work force, and 2% entered the military.
Students receive classroom materials on a year-to-year basis, but keep their school computer as long as they are enrolled in the school.
Students enrolled in PALCS participate in their communities and pursue fantastic interests. We have published novelists, junior firefighters, app developers, notable athletes, and performers of both stage and screen.
Students occasionally choose to mail finished projects to their teachers: we proudly display student artwork in our offices and learning centers!
While equipment is provided, PALCS families can access school from any device with an Internet connection.
PALCS has an award-winning Robotics team, placing in both the First Lego League and the First Tech Challenge.
Our internal IT Help Desk is just a phone call away during business hours for technology assistance. We have trainings and tutorials available on-demand.
Students have participated in the Hour of Code and have developed apps for Google Chrome and various code snippets. For creative gamers, PALCS hosts its own server for students to participate in Minecraft Club.
Our students are active in community sports, participate on local school district teams, and some even play at the semi-pro level!
PALCS faculty and staff participate and encourage students to get involved in various volunteer and community service projects throughout the year. The school participates in regular clothing drives, food drives, and fundraisers.

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2017 Citadel Heart of Learning Nominations

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About the Author: PALCS Information Team

PALCS students can start exposure to a foreign language as young as Kindergarten!

The PALCS University Scholars Program hosts two National Academic Quiz Tournament teams that compete and perform well at the national tournament level. A PALCS student was named to the 2016 Pennsylvania National All-Star Scholastic Tournament team.

Students get personalized feedback on assignments.

Students have the opportunity to travel internationally, often for elective credit. Previous travel opportunities have included Costa Rica, Canada, China and Panama.

Students can reach out to their teachers at any time through many outlets: phone, email, instant message, or chat.

PALCS students perform better on standardized testing. In 2018, our students received an average SAT score of 1166 and an average ACT score of 26.1. State averages: 1073 for SAT and 23.7 for ACT.

The PALCS University Scholars Program has a Mock Trial team that has consistently performed well at both county and district levels.

Students can read and contribute to PA Leadership’s award-winning online student newspaper, “The Talon”, which is edited by students in our Journalism course. PALCS Student Government also produces a newsletter, “The Observer”.

In addition to teachers, PALCS families have access to dedicated guidance counselors and dozens of student services support staff. Help is always just a call or click away!

PALCS has an in-house video production studio so teachers can make dynamic videos for their lessons.

PALCS has an active Student Government. Students can run for office and participate in committees that spearhead projects, events and fundraisers. Student Government also builds leadership skills and offers unique retreats and field trips.

PALCS Center for Performing and Fine Arts students regularly participate in the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association District Orchestra Festival.

Students who are struggling academically receive help from a PALCS Academic Advisor, who will assist students with organization and scheduling, will facilitate communication and will provide additional support.

All PALCS students receive a laptop computer with a webcam, headset microphone, and a printer/copier/scanner. The computer automatically downloads required programs and updates and is filtered for school use.

PALCS supports students from day one with a face-to-face orientation. Families are then guided through an Introduction to Online Learning course as they settle into cyber school.

PALCS offers Homework Help in the evenings. Students can receive live help from a PALCS teacher in the virtual classroom.

PALCS focuses on weekly flexibility. Students can generally work one-to-two weeks ahead in their courses.

Attendance is tracked by logging in on school days, Monday – Friday.

Parents can get involved by joining the monthly Parent Advisory Board. The board meets with the principal monthly to provide feedback and school improvement suggestions.

The PALCS Mascot is the Eagle and the school colors are blue and yellow.

PALCS students are initiated into the National Honor Society and National Junior Honor Society each year in a blended on-site/virtual ceremony.

PALCS graduates have attended schools ranging from small private colleges such as Grove City, Washington and Jefferson, Allegheny, Messiah and LaSalle; major state universities like Penn State, Pitt, Temple and Drexel; and Ivy League schools like Princeton, Harvard and Yale.

The PALCS Network is an online social community and resource for PALCS families to connect with other parents and students. We have optional activities and field trips around the state to keep students engaged and active!

Students do complete physical education in cyber school. Classes teach students the importance of incorporating a regular fitness routine into their daily lives and include many instructional videos.

In 2018, 93 students took 162 AP exams with an average score of 3.9. 87% of these students obtained a score of 3 or higher.

PALCS students can go on many educational, science-related field trips. We’ve gone to Physics Days at Hersheypark and Kennywood, SciTech Days at the Carnegie Science Center, the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh Zoos and more!

Over 150 highly qualified teachers work at PALCS. Teachers work from one of our offices, in either West Chester or Pittsburgh.

PALCS uses a variety of materials from many different publishers: both physical and virtual textbooks, novels, workbooks and/or other types of supplemental content such as websites and educational programs.

PALCS offers the University Scholars Program for gifted and motivated learners. The blended on-site and virtual program offers honors and AP courses to accepted students, though any PALCS student may take up to two AP courses through University Scholars.

PALCS graduates have gone on to a range of careers, including becoming teachers, medical professionals, engineers, performing artists, athletes, and officers in the military.

The guidance department at PALCS offers access to Career Cruising, a website that helps students explore career possibilities.

Students in our art classes receive an art kit with a variety of materials such as paint and clay. Painted or drawn pictures can be scanned into the computer via the provided printer/copier/scanner. Students can use their provided webcam to take a picture of sculptures and models.

PALCS has a yearly commencement in Lancaster for all graduates and families who wish to attend.

PALCS opened its digital doors on September 13, 2004. Over 2000 young adults have graduated from PALCS since the school opened.

PALCS provides computer programs and websites to complete virtual labs for science courses.

Talented PALCS students have performed on many stages and have been heard on the radio across the state. Students have even performed at prestigious Carnegie Hall and on Broadway in New York City.

According to state law, cyber school students may continue to participate in extra-curricular activities and sports through their local schools.

After high school, 79% of the PALCS Class of 2018 chose to further their education with post-secondary school. 18% entered directly into the work force, and 2% entered the military.

Students receive classroom materials on a year-to-year basis, but keep their school computer as long as they are enrolled in the school.

Students enrolled in PALCS participate in their communities and pursue fantastic interests. We have published novelists, junior firefighters, app developers, notable athletes, and performers of both stage and screen.

Students occasionally choose to mail finished projects to their teachers: we proudly display student artwork in our offices and learning centers!

While equipment is provided, PALCS families can access school from any device with an Internet connection.

PALCS has an award-winning Robotics team, placing in both the First Lego League and the First Tech Challenge.

Our internal IT Help Desk is just a phone call away during business hours for technology assistance. We have trainings and tutorials available on-demand.

Students have participated in the Hour of Code and have developed apps for Google Chrome and various code snippets. For creative gamers, PALCS hosts its own server for students to participate in Minecraft Club.

Our students are active in community sports, participate on local school district teams, and some even play at the semi-pro level!

PALCS faculty and staff participate and encourage students to get involved in various volunteer and community service projects throughout the year. The school participates in regular clothing drives, food drives, and fundraisers.

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