Vote Ms. Kofelt for 2017 EdTech Leader Award

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Vote for Ms. Kofelt for the 2017 EdTech Leader Award!

PA Leadership’s very own Educational Technology Supervisor, Ms. Courtney Kofeldt, is a finalist for Consortium for School Networking’s (CoSN) and EdScoop’s 2017 NextGeneration EdTech Leader Award, recognizing K-12 educational technology leaders in America’s schools.

Candidates from around the country were nominated by their schools and districts to be acknowledged as the “NextGenertation Leaders in School Technology.” There are 30 finalists in the running, including Ms. Kofeldt to receive the award based on the number of votes they receive.

Voting for the award began on January 30, 2017 and ends at midnight on February 17, 2017. Winners will be announced on April 4, 2017 at CoSN’s annual conference in Chicago where they will be invited to attend the “NextGeneration Leaders” boot camp. The winners will be chosen based on the final vote tallies once voting has closed. Show your support and vote for Ms. Kofeldt here!

About Ms. Kofeldt:

Ms. Kofeldt has been with PALCS since 2010. Formerly an English teacher at PALCS, she has now taken on the role of Technology Supervisor full-time. Here at PALCS, Ms. Kofeldt acts as a coach/resource for teachers when they are working with new systems and programs, as well as manages students’ accounts for online programs. During her time as Technology Supervisor, PALCS has adopted Google Apps for Education and added another Learning Management System, Canvas, to supplement Moodle. Both Canvas and Moodle form the technical backbone of our school website, PALCSchool. She has also assisted in spearheading the iPALCS iPad program, which provides PALCS students in certain grades and programs with iPads to supplements their learning. Impressively, Ms. Kofeldt has presented at several conferences including iNACOL, PETE and C, and K12 Online. She is also a Nearpod PioNear, Google Certified Educator (Level 2), Symbaloo Certified Alpha Squirrel and a Tackk Advocate.

About the Contest:

The “NextGeneration Leaders” program is in its second year and is co-sponsored by CoSN and Edscoop. CoSN is a professional association for district technology leaders in k-12 institutions. EdScoop is a division of the Scoop News Group (SNG) who according to their website “is the leading public sector tech media company in the country.” The division of SNG, EdScoop, delivers the latest news and insights on technology and education to technology leaders in K-12 and higher education.

In order to qualify to win the award finalists needed to be employed by a school, district, or education service agency that serves grades K-12. They could have no more than five working years as an education technology professional. They also have to have shown leadership within the districts or school that they are associated with. Full details and criteria for finalists can be seen here.

Congratulations to Ms. Courtney Kofeldt on being nominated and chosen as a finalist for the “NextGeneration Leaders” award! Show your support for Ms. Kofeldt and vote now!

By PALCS Information Team|2024-07-22T05:14:16-04:00February 6th, 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.

The PALCS University Scholars Program has a Mock Trial team that has consistently performed well at both county and district levels.
PALCS has a yearly commencement in Lancaster for all graduates and families who wish to attend.
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.
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 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.
PALCS offers Homework Help in the evenings. Students can receive live help from a PALCS teacher in the virtual classroom.
PALCS provides computer programs and websites to complete virtual labs for science courses.
PALCS has an award-winning Robotics team, placing in both the First Lego League and the First Tech Challenge.
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.
Students have the opportunity to travel internationally, often for elective credit. Previous travel opportunities have included Costa Rica, Canada, China and Panama.
Our students are active in community sports, participate on local school district teams, and some even play at the semi-pro level!
Students can reach out to their teachers at any time through many outlets: phone, email, instant message, or chat.
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.
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”.
The PALCS Mascot is the Eagle and the school colors are blue and yellow.
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!
PALCS Center for Performing and Fine Arts students regularly participate in the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association District Orchestra Festival.
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 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.
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!
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.
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.
According to state law, cyber school students may continue to participate in extra-curricular activities and sports through their local schools.
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!
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.
While equipment is provided, PALCS families can access school from any device with an Internet connection.
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.
PALCS opened its digital doors on September 13, 2004. Over 2000 young adults have graduated from PALCS since the school opened.
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.
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 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.
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.
Students occasionally choose to mail finished projects to their teachers: we proudly display student artwork in our offices and learning centers!
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.
Students receive classroom materials on a year-to-year basis, but keep their school computer as long as they are enrolled in the school.
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 graduates have gone on to a range of careers, including becoming teachers, medical professionals, engineers, performing artists, athletes, and officers in the military.
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.
PALCS has an in-house video production studio so teachers can make dynamic videos for their lessons.
PALCS students can start exposure to a foreign language as young as Kindergarten!
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.
PALCS students are initiated into the National Honor Society and National Junior Honor Society each year in a blended on-site/virtual ceremony.
Over 150 highly qualified teachers work at PALCS. Teachers work from one of our offices, in either West Chester or Pittsburgh.
Students get personalized feedback on assignments.
PALCS focuses on weekly flexibility. Students can generally work one-to-two weeks ahead in their courses.
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.
Attendance is tracked by logging in on school days, Monday – Friday.
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.
The guidance department at PALCS offers access to Career Cruising, a website that helps students explore career possibilities.

Click here to see more Fast Facts.

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Vote for Ms. Kofelt for the 2017 EdTech Leader Award!

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About the Author: PALCS Information Team

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

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

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.

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 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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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”.

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

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!

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

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.

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!

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.

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.

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

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!

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

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.

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

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.

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 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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

Students get personalized feedback on assignments.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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