Episodes

  • Winging It Podcast: Career & Technical Education and Professional Studies
    May 7 2025

    🎓 Discover Career Readiness with PALCS!

    In this video, Jennifer Licate, Supervisor of Career and Technical Education and Professional Studies at PALCS, shares how students across Pennsylvania can gain a head start on their futures—right from home.

    Our Professional Studies Program and Career & Technical Education (CTE) Program provide flexible, online opportunities for high school students enrolled at our PA Cyber Charter School. Whether students can't attend a local center or are looking for more personalized options, PALCS offers pathways to success through:

    ✅ Dual enrollment – Earn college credits while still in high school

    ✅ Industry certifications – Build a strong foundation for career readiness

    ✅ Hands-on experience – Learn real-world skills in a virtual environment

    ✅ Social-emotional growth – Support systems to guide each student’s journey

    ✅ Simple enrollment process – Get started easily with help every step of the way

    With inspiring success stories and a commitment to student-centered learning, our programs support K-12 online learning in Pennsylvania and help students reach their goals in today's digital world.

    🌐 Learn more at palcs.org

    #PACyberSchool #PAOnlineSchool #CyberHighSchool #VirtualCharterSchool #OnlineCareerPrep #K12OnlineLearningInPA #CTEProgramPA #ProfessionalStudiesProgram #CyberCharterSchool

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    24 mins
  • Winging It Podcast: Family Support Network
    Apr 23 2025

    At PALCS, we know that family engagement is a vital part of success in a K-12 cyber school. In this episode of Winging It, we explore the Family Support Network, designed to help Learning Coaches—whether parents, grandparents, or trusted adults—thrive alongside their students.

    🎓 Learn about our free membership toolkit, 1:1 coaching, and personalized resources that make online school more accessible and effective. 🧭 Discover how Family Ambassadors help guide new families through the online learning journey. 🎲 Hear how monthly virtual events foster community and connection across Pennsylvania. 📝 Find out how our Family Connection Survey helps tailor support to your needs.

    Whether you’re supporting an elementary, middle, or high school student, this episode is your guide to building a stronger connection with your child’s PA Cyber Charter School experience.

    Learn more: https://www.palcs.org

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    28 mins
  • Winging It Podcast: Middle School at PALCS
    Apr 9 2025

    In this episode of Winging It, we welcome Dr. Alex Rausch, Middle School Principal, and Ms. Christina Strellec, Assistant Principal, to give a full overview of what middle school looks like at the Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School (PALCS).

    Learn how our PA cyber charter school supports students during one of the most important times in their academic and personal development. From daily structure and virtual lessons to online electives, clubs, and student support, this conversation gives families a comprehensive look at the middle school experience in a virtual K-12 school in PA.

    🕒 Episode Highlights:

    • 00:02 Introduction & Experience

    • 00:50 Supporting Student Development

    • 04:32 Typical Day & Homework Expectations

    • 06:54 Live Virtual Lessons & Electives

    • 14:21 Advanced Courses & Parental Involvement

    • 19:03 Support Systems & Social Opportunities

    • 26:27 Peer Interaction & Graduation Pathways

    • 29:33 Scattergories Challenge

    • 31:52 Final Thoughts

    Whether you're looking for a cyber middle school in Pennsylvania, or simply exploring K-12 online learning, this episode is for you.

    🔗 Learn more about our program at palcs.org

    #PACyberCharterSchool #OnlineMiddleSchoolPA #CyberSchool #VirtualK12SchoolsInPA #MiddleSchoolAtPALCS

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    32 mins
  • Winging It Podcast: State Testing Q&A Panel Discussion
    Mar 26 2025
    This week on Winging IT, we sit down with four PALCS leaders to answer all your questions about state testing. With the PSSAs and Keystones coming up, this episode is a must-listen for students and parents alike. 🎙️ Featuring:
    • Dr. Michelle Efthimiadou, Supervisor of Special Education
    • Bob Brown, Supervisor of State Testing
    • Mike Logue, High School Principal
    • Chris “Kit” Stiles, USP Principal
    You’ll learn: ✔️ Why state testing is essential for students ✔️ How assessments help improve learning and support ✔️ What students can expect—and look forward to—on test days ✔️ How PALCS ensures accessibility and student success 🔗 Learn more: www.palcs.org 🎧 Tune in now and feel ready for testing season! #PACyberCharterSchool #OnlineHighSchool #VirtualMiddleSchoolPA #PALCS #PAOnlineCharterSchool #K12OnlineLearningPA

    Timestamps:

    00:36 Question 1 - Why is it important for students to participate in state testing?

    01:23 Question 2 - How do these assessments benefit both students and the school?

    05:20 Question 3 - How would you explain the importance of participation?

    06:49 Question 4 - What would you say to reassure parents about state testing?

    10:41 Question 5 - What steps has the school taken to make testing accessible and convenient for cyber students?

    15:28 Question 6 - What resources are available to help students prepare for the test?

    18:19 Question 7 - What kind of staff support is available on testing days?

    19:05 Question 8 - When do students receive their scores?

    19:48 Question 9 - How do student results help improve student learning and instruction?

    25:00 Question 10 - What would you say to parents who are hesitant about state testing?

    27:28 Question 11 - What advice do you have for students who are nervous about state testing?

    29:18 Question 12 - What are Meet & Greets and how do they work?

    32:30 Question 13 - What are some things students can look forward to on test days to make it a more positive experience?

    34:44 Question 14 - What are some student accommodations that are currently in place for state testing?

    37:09 Question 15 - How would students or parents go about requesting specific accommodations?

    39:14 Question 16 - How can families help encourage their children to participate and do their best in state testing?

    41:15 Question 17 - Are there waiting areas or similar for parents dropping their kids off for state testing?

    44:12 Question 18 - Can you tell us about State Testing Leaderboards?

    46:37 Question 19 - Can you give the students some words of encouragement for state testing?

    48:47 Student Testimonials

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    51 mins
  • Winging It Podcast: PA Families for Education Choice and School Choice w/ Sharon Sedlar
    Mar 12 2025

    What does school choice really mean for families? Sharon Sedlar, a dedicated advocate for educational freedom, sits down with Zealan Turner, Director of Communications at The Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School (PALCS), to talk about why options like cyber charter schools, private schools, and homeschooling matter more than ever.

    🎙️ In this episode, Sharon shares:

    ✔️ Why Pennsylvania families need more access to flexible, high-quality education

    ✔️ The biggest myths about cyber schools—and what the reality looks like for students

    ✔️ How funding and policy decisions impact school choice and online learning

    ✔️ How PALCS is helping students thrive with personalized online learning

    For families looking at cyber education, online high school, or flexible K-12 options in Pennsylvania, this conversation is a must-watch. Education isn’t one-size-fits-all, and PALCS is proving that students can succeed outside of the traditional classroom.

    🎧 Watch now and join the conversation!

    🔗 Learn more at www.palcs.org

    #PALCS #WingingItPodcast #PAFEC #SchoolChoice

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    34 mins
  • Winging It Podcast: Health, Safety and Physical Education with PALCS middle school teacher, Mr. Solnosky
    Feb 27 2025

    Meet Adam Solnosky, a dedicated middle school teacher at PALCS specializing in health, safety, and physical education. Adam's passion for teaching extends beyond the traditional classroom as he navigates the unique world of cyber education, redefining what it means to teach physical education in an online setting. He shares how movement-based learning plays a crucial role in student development, the challenges and advantages of teaching PE online, and how PALCS provides a dynamic and interactive experience for its students. His commitment to fostering a healthy lifestyle in young learners is both inspiring and impactful. Tune in to hear more about Adam's experiences and insights in his interview with Zealan Turner, Director of Communications, on the PALCS official Winging It Podcast.

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    20 mins
  • Winging It Podcast: Professional Dancing and Acting with Grace Slear
    Feb 12 2025

    Meet Grace Slear, a talented alumni of PALCS whose artistic journey has taken her to extraordinary heights. Grace made her Broadway debut, worked alongside Tony Award-winning directors and choreographers, and performed with celebrities at the Met Gala. Now, she thrives as a multi-faceted artist in New York City, excelling in acting, dancing, and music. She shares that her foundation in ballet and her time at PALCS and the Center for Performing and Fine Arts provided the perfect space for her to grow both as a student and as an individual. Grace’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and creativity. She is an inspiring example for aspiring professionals everywhere, and her journey is a testament to the power of the arts in shaping an individual’s life. Tune in to hear more about Grace's incredible journey in her interview with Zealan Turner, Director of Communications, on the PALCS official Winging It Podcast.

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    24 mins
  • Winging It Podcast: Rabbit Breeding & Showmanship with Sarah Davis
    Jan 29 2025

    Meet Sarah Davis, a passionate freshman at PALCS with a unique set of interests and goals. Sarah is a dedicated competitor in rabbit breeding and showmanship, and she's also actively involved in the Girl Scouts. With a deep commitment to conservation, Sarah’s goal is to help revitalize the Silver Rabbit species through responsible breeding practices. Recently, she completed a project in collaboration with Pennsylvania Parks and Services, exploring how goats can assist in managing invasive species within the state's national parks. Sarah is driven to make a positive impact on the environment and animal welfare. Learn more about Sarah’s inspiring journey and her work at PALCS in her interview with Zealan Turner, Director of Communications, on the PALCS official Winging It Podcast.

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    14 mins