May 2017

Contact Keystone:

1-800-255-4937

Info@keystonehighschool.com

KeyNews-Keeping up with Keystone Erica Rhone, Head of School

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Parent Involvement.……………….…2-3

Recommendation Letters……………..4

SAT/ACT Dates…………..…………..…..5

Defining Success…..……………….…….6

Areas of Support at Keystone..….…..7

Email Forecast…………………….….…..8

May Webinars………………………….....9

Keystone Tip………………………….....10

“Change will not come if we wait

for some other person, or if we

wait for some other time. We are

the ones we've been waiting for.

We are the change that we seek."

~Barack Obama

Special Note:

Just as a reminder, Keystone School sent our annual parent satisfac-

tion survey the week of APRIL 24th. It is essential and beneficial to

both you and your students to take 10-15 minutes and provide us with

feedback about your experience. Your input is extremely valuable, so

please participate. Thank you.

May’s newsletter focus is Teacher Appreciation month. Around the country many schools take time to focus on the impact teachers have on the educational success of students. It is true that teachers make a huge difference in students’ lives. Having great teachers = having a great school. At The Keystone School, our teachers and academic support staff face the added challenge of not being able to “see” or meet with their students in a face-to-face environment. This team of dedicated individuals has to really put their communication skills on high alert to pick up on cues from students regarding what is really happening behind the screen. This is skillfully accomplished through identifying cues in our students’ assessments and their communication tone via email, chat, and phone.

When I sit down and think about our team of teachers and academic support staff, I am constantly reminded of how this team does so much. They do more than teach students; they work with parents, school officials, siblings, grandpar-ents, new teachers, the list is endless and so are the hats they wear. They not only have to be content experts of their course, but they need to be very com-fortable helping to support the students and their support system with technolo-gy needs and navigation questions. I’m not only proud to be the leader of this team, but I am truly inspired by the work they do every day and impressed by the students we serve. If you have not already done so, please encourage your stu-dents to thank their teachers and other academic support team members TO-DAY!!!

Teacher Video Inspiration Requests: If your student has been truly inspired by a Keystone teacher and would like to share their experience through a short video, please have them contact me directly at:

erhone@keystonehighschool.com.

Our Facebook live events are held on the 3rd Thursday of every month at 4:00 pm

ET! Our next one is on 5/18/2017. This session is hosted by our Head of School and she

will discuss Teacher Appreciation month!

Join us live on Facebook on

May 18th at 4:00 pm ET.

2

“Efforts and cour-

age are not enough

without purpose

and direction”

~John F Kennedy

IDEAS OF PARENT INVOLVEMENT -FROM KEYSTONE ENGLISH

TEACHER PATRICIA JESAITIS

Parent involvement is such a hot button phrase these days, but what does it mean to be involved? I recently filled out a recommendation for a student who was trying to get into a rather rigorous prep school and the final question asked if the stu-dent’s parent played a significant role in the applicant’s academic success. Was this a trick question? Might I jeopardize my student’s chances of getting in by answering in the affirmative? Hmmm…

I fondly remember the time my oldest daughter and her friends were learning to drive and taking their driving tests. One of my good friends let me know her daugh-ter failed her first attempt and was not speaking to her because the daughter felt her mother ruined her chances for success. Apparently, my friend was sitting quietly in the back seat of the test car wildly motioning to other drivers to help them all refrain from doing anything near or around the car which might impact her daughter’s road test. She thought she was doing a great job directing traffic until the lack of movement in the vehicle caused her to look up; her daughter was glaring at her and the tester was looking at her in utter disbelief while shaking his head and saying, “You know we can both see you, right?” My dear, well-meaning friend mumbled something about shoo-ing a fly out of the car and slumped back into her seat. Her daughter failed the test for receiving unfair advantages during the test.

From the perspective of a parent, as well as a career instructor, allow me to share my suggestions for walking that fine line between wanting to help your child succeed and insisting they succeed by “helping” a little more than you probably should. Hearing from your child’s teacher that your son or daughter is struggling with something is not the end of the world but rather the beginning of the learning process. A lack of understanding should represent an opportunity to learn, not a moment of shame to try to cover up or get defensive over. Remember, your child’s teacher wants to communicate this information to you so the situation can be turned around, not to be mean or to wreck your day. Listen to what the teacher is saying; they may have in-sights that you don’t have and they may benefit from insight that you can share. Listen to the situation as they see it and know that they will want to hear your thoughts too. Before ending the communication, ask if there is anything on your end that you can be helpful with and then follow through.

**Continuation on the next page**

CONTINUATION: IDEAS OF PARENT INVOLVEMENT- FROM KEYSTONE ENGLISH

TEACHER PATRICIA JESAITIS

Whether your student is simply not working or not working up to par, as parents we all tend to want to jump in there and fix things, especially when it comes to our children. Here are a few things to remember: little Johnny or Sarah know us better than many and they know that what we want more than anything is to just see our children try their best. When you are assured that they spent “all day” working on an assignment that should have only taken 20-30 minutes, fight the urge to defend that to the ninth degree. They may have worked on it all day, but if every time you looked in on them you only saw the back of the lap top, are you feeling 100% confident enough in their newly found work ethic to confirm the hours put in? Here is a suggestion to consider: Get your par-ent access to the account and keep a log of the amount of work being done daily, or weekly if that works better. This doesn’t have to be too invasive; it can be as simple as keeping an eye on assignments completed. If your child says they are “almost done” with the course work and you log on and find four assignments out of 118 completed, something is amiss. If you are told that Johnny spent the day working diligently and submitting one assignment after another, and you log on and see two more assignments completed in the last nine days when you last checked, there may be a problem. If you are told repeatedly that work was submitted but the teacher isn’t grading it, ask what isn’t being graded and then ask to see it. You don’t even need to know what it should look like or how involved it is, just ask to see it.

What might present itself is a real problem, but it takes some parental engagement to get to the bottom of it. Even though as adults we may no longer cower at the thought of approaching our teachers with a question, re-member that it is still difficult for young people to approach adults with requests. All the associations that might have gone on in a class room full of kids might still be associated with the process. Ask your student if they would like help getting started communicating with their teacher. Ask if you could send the first email… not every email, but just that first one. Sometimes that’s all a student needs… a little push to get the momentum going. If you child is confused and getting frustrated with an assignment, reach out to the instructor with your concerns. The instruc-tor has no way of knowing that you are at home struggling with something unless you let them know. Don’t call your brother in Arizona who owns his own car dealership and knows his math better than anyone, call the teacher and ask them for help because they run the class and know the course work and expectations better than anyone. Why spend two hours searching through class content when the teacher can find where you should be in a matter of seconds? Remember also that if you have just logged on and skimmed through the class for a matter of minutes for the first time, of course things will be confusing to you. You are not the student and you have not been negoti-ating the class for the last 36 days; it should be confusing to you. I couldn’t find my way to the dairy aisle the first time I walked into a Whole Foods, but since I am the family shopper, I now know just where to go. If I can’t find the creamed corn, I don’t call up my cousin in Boston who can shuck corn like a champ because he grows it, I stop and ask the grocery guy where they keep it. It usually works out.

Parents, get involved but not too involved. If your child is stumped, point them in the direction of where to best find help. If you want to figure out the course or if you have a question about the class that is not making any sense to you, ask the teacher about it. Most of the assignments build off previous assignments so if you ask why the conversation is about Martin Luther King, JR when the unit is about details and description, ask the teacher. One might have been used to showcase the importance of the other but there is one sure way to find out… reach out to the teacher and ask for some clarification. We are here to help ease the burden of self-delivery of infor-mation, we are here to explain and we are here to help. If you want to get involved, ask the teacher what things you can do that would best facilitate improvement in the class. Remember that the chemistry teacher might have a completely different answer than the French teacher, but they each have the best insight into the path to success in their classrooms. Try it. Parent involvement is a good thing, just keep in mind that old saying about too much of a good thing…

4

“You cannot escape

the responsibility of

tomorrow by evad-

ing it today”

~Abraham Lincoln

Letters of Recommendation: The Importance of Connecting with your Recommender

Picture this- You’re a teacher at an online high school. You have a section of X many stu-dents, most of whom have never contacted you directly. Student Jane Doe, whose name you only recognize by her assignment submissions, emails you and asks you to write her a letter of recommendation for college applications. Your teacher mind thinks, “Eeek! I am flattered that she asked me for help during such an important and crucial time in her future-planning! But, do I know enough about Jane to write a letter verifying her academic prow-ess and the qualities that would make her a valued asset at this prospective college? I am worried I don’t know enough about Jane to write her the rock star letter she deserves!”

For Keystone teachers and counselors, this scenario is not uncommon during the college application season, which spans from October-February each school year. There are very few circumstances in which a teacher would deny the request to write a letter of recom-mendation. However, there are letters of recommendations that a teacher or counselor feels more prepared to write, and those are for the students that they have connected with over the course of their Keystone enrollment. How can a Keystone student connect with and impress their teachers? Here are some examples:

· Foremost, students should work hard in their courses and put forth 100% effort on all assignments!

· Students show maturity through email and phone etiquette. Grammar is really important in emails, too!

· Students are cordial in all communications with Keystone staff.

· Students should make time to include fun notes in emails. For example, telling their teachers a little about the weather in their home state, wishing them a happy holiday, or have a unique email signature!

· Students sometimes call their teacher when they have a question instead of emailing.

· Students keep teachers looped-in on recent accomplishments. For example, students share blurbs or pictures from winning awards or competitions.

The take-away counseling tip for this newsletter to parents and students is to really think about taking the time to connect with your teachers and counselors to build a relationship before you request a letter of recommendation. Not only is it great for our school commu-nity, but it could help you on your college applications, too! We also ask student’s to fill out a form when they request a letter of recommendation, so in addition to building that relationship, be sure to take the time to complete the form seriously and fully.

If you have questions about letters of recommendation, email guidance @keystonehighschool.com

2017 COLLEGE ADMISSION EXAM DATES

5

2016-2017 Test Dates and Reminders

• Juniors and Seniors: if you are planning to apply to a U.S. four-year university this year, you will need a score on a col-lege entrance exam (either the SAT or the ACT). Test dates and registration links can be found below.

• Sophomores and Juniors: the PSAT is only offered in Octo-ber. Now is the time to find a testing location!

“If you live long enough,

you'll make mistakes. But

if you learn from them,

you'll be a better person.

It's how you handle adver-

sity, not how it affects you.

The main thing is never

quit, never quit, never

quit."

~Bill Clinton

2016-2017 SAT/ACT Test Dates Keystone’s CEEB code is 390363

Registration Deadlines

Test Test Date Regular Late (fees apply)

SAT June 3rd, 2017 May 9th, 2017 May 16-24th, 2017

ACT June 10th, 2017 May 5th, 2017 May 6-19, 2017

SAT Registration Link: http://sat.collegeboard.org/register ACT Registration Link: http://www.actstudent.org/regist/ PSAT Registration: Contact your local public high school Students can use free resources found in the Guidance Services Resource Center to prepare for these exams. AP Exams Good luck to our AP student taking the AP exams over the next two weeks! AP student needs to enter the following two codes in the exam booklets on exam day: CEEB: 390363 Online Provider: 088 AP students will also need to create an online account with The College Board to get their scores when they become available in July Career Webinar Records April’s theme was career month. Mr. Matt Dufford, one of Keystone’s counselors, hosted two webinars all about career preparation. If you missed them, click below to view the re-cordings! Introduction to Career Basics https://us.bbcollab.com/recording/CF3195064E75E1AA8D210D1EA7938BA3 Exploring Choices 360 https://us.bbcollab.com/recording/461E59557BDD74DE26D046E7BB6A6A02

6

“ A pessimist is one

who makes difficulties

of his opportunities

and an optimist is

one who makes op-

portunities of his

difficulties. ”

~Harry S. Truman

The world of education is constantly changing and something that many mod-ern day education theorists are contemplating is the definition of success. In 2017 we are very far removed from the days of the traditional nuclear family that works an eight hour shift, comes home, eats dinner, and calls it a day. Alt-hough some families still follow that model, life for your student, growing up in the age of technology, has the ability to transform the classic idea of success into almost anything they want it to be. Sometimes people measure their suc-cess in how much education they can receive, what kind of car they drive, how much money is in the bank, or what kind of job they get after high school or college. Then, there are some who measure their success in the simple fact that they can afford to feed and clothe their children. The truth is: success can be measured in many ways, and everyone's own definition may be different.

Abraham Maslow was an American Psychologist that created the hierarchy of needs that people acquire to gain what is known as success. Having pride and feeling self-worth is what most will strive for when it comes to understanding a true self definition of success. Achieving self-actualization is the high level of Maslow's pyramid (picture shown below). Basically, this is where you finally re-alize what your life is all about or realize the purpose of your being. For some it may be to grow up and raise a family. For others it may be leading a life of vol-unteering and helping others or to build a business or even as simple as learn-ing how to do or achieve something you thought you may never reach. Bottom line is that self– actualization is about being happy with the goals and achieve-ments of your life.

What do you consider success in education? Is it graduating high school? Col-lege? Or could it even be just getting an "A" on a test that you studied really hard for? Again, success is measured in more ways then one. If you strive to go to college to be a rich entrepreneur, then go be best entrepreneur that ever lived. If you strive to be a plumber, a teacher, a cook, a nurse or doctor, or an artist, then go out and reach for that goal! Because the way to really measure success on a single scale, is if you are hap-py with yourself and the things you do.

Interested in being Keystone’s Student of the Month? Email our Guidance Dept. for information on how your story as a student at Keystone can be featured in our Newsletter as Keystone’s Student of the Month!

Email Guidance at guidance@keystonehighschool.com

DEFINING SUCCESS

AREAS OF SUPPORT IN AN INDEPENDENT

SETTING AT KEYSTONE Keystone is an independent-study program which means, ultimately, the student is respon-sible for their own success. A successful Keystone student is one who is responsible and motivated by taking the initiative to log into the courses on daily basis and spending the appropriate number of hours working on coursework. Keystone is set up very differently from a traditional school and it will take some time to get used to. No one expects you to be a Keystone expert from day one nor do we expect you to be completely on your own.

IT IS OK TO ASK FOR HELP When a student is first enrolled with Keystone they are not expected to just magically know how to create a schedule, navigate through Blackboard, or submit an assignment. This is why you have access to the Resource and Orientation Center (ROCK). The ROCK explains how to do all of these things and is just one of the many resources that Keystone provides additional support.

TEACHERS As your student goes through their lessons and completes assignments, it is only natural that they will have questions. This is why they have a teacher for each class who you can call or email. Your teacher is not just there just to grade work. If you do not understand a con-cept from one of your lessons, or if an assignment's directions are unclear to you, ask your teacher for help. Teachers will respond to your question within 24 business hours. You can find your teacher's contact information by clicking on Staff Information in the left sidebar of the course.

STUDENT SUCCESS ADVISORS (SSA) The ROCK is designed to teach you everything you need to know about Keystone, but any additional "getting started" related questions can be directed to our Student Success Advi-sors. You may even have a designated SSA to reach out to if you were part of the Strong Start program when you first enrolled. Additionally, Keystone's SSAs can help you with scheduling concerns that you may have if you aren't sure how to create a schedule when starting classes, or if you aren't sure that you will be able to finish your current courses on time.

GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT Keystone also has a Guidance Department that you can contact with any questions that you may have regarding transcripts, GPA, SAT/ACT testing, AP courses, college applications, etc. You also have access to a Guidance Services course (listed with the rest of your courses in Blackboard) that contains information on all of these topics.

STUDENT SERVICES Student Services is available for help with any additional questions that you might have. They can help with technical issues that you may run into, payment issues, release unofficial grades, etc. You can reach them at 1-800-255-4937. Student Services are available Monday through Friday until 8:00pm Eastern Time.

MAY EMAIL FORECAST

Here at Keystone we value

organization. An orga-

nized student is a success-

ful student. It is much eas-

ier for organized students

to stay on track and stay

updated on changing poli-

cies and new events. That

is why we want to take this

opportunity to inform you

about some emails coming

your way. Keep an eye out

for these messages in your

inbox this month!

What When

Progress Reports

*Sent every other Monday evening to the parent

email address we have on file

Monday, May 15th

Monday, May 29th

Monday Morning Message

*only sent to full-time online STUDENTS

Every Monday morning this month!

(5/8, 5/15, 5/22, 5/29)

Can also be found on Keystone’s Fa-

cebook page: https://

www.facebook.com/keystoneschool/

New Parent Orientation and

Getting Started Webinar

*Please refer to the Webinar Sched-

ule found on page 8

Congrats to our 36 April graduates from 5 countries and 22

Keystone has create Facebook and Twitter accounts for our stu-

dents to connect. These are YOUR groups! Keystone staff will

be available to answer questions, but this is something we have

developed at the request of our families.

We hope you enjoy this opportunity!

Connect with other families through

Facebook and Twitter!

Facebook Twitter

Midwest Region: The Keystone School @Keystone_School

Northeast Region: Student Success Advisors @Keystone_SSA

Western Region: Guidance Dept. @Keystone_Gdnce

International:

9

Getting Started webinars are designed for new students and parents, but any Key-

stone student or parent is welcome to sign up and attend! You can click on the

event to sign up or use the links provided below.

New Parent Orientation

Webinar

Join us on Wednesday, May 24th at 7:00

PM ET for a New Parent Orientation webi-

nar designed to help answer all of your

“getting started” questions. We’ll go more in-

depth on the role of the Keystone Parent, the

Strong Start program, and how to support

your student. There will also be time for you

to ask questions. Our goal is to give you the

tools needed to help your student succeed!

Click here to sign up to attend the webinar:

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0f4bafaf29a6fc1

-newparent

New Parent Tool Kit

We have prepared several documents to help

you as a new Keystone parent get oriented to

Keystone and start to embrace your role as

the parent of a successful independent learn-

er! We suggest you review all the documents

carefully and keep them for reference. You

can download them to your computer, print

them, or come back to this site again and

again to view them as needed.

Click here to access the Parent Tool Kit:

https://fw.unitymg.com/rdr/D:2797

Getting Started Webinars: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0f4bafaf29a6fc1-getting

New Parent Orientation : http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0f4bafaf29a6fc1-newparent

Event Date Time Presenter Audience

Getting Started The Right Way With Key-

stone

May 9th 12 pm

ET

Ryan Lombardo New Students and Parents

Getting Started The Right Way With Key-

stone

May 17th 7 pm ET Ryan Lombardo New Students and Parents

Getting Started The Right Way With Key-

stone

May 23rd 3 pm ET Ryan Lombardo New Students and Parents

New Parent Orientation May 24th 7 pm ET Dan Puentes New Parent Orientation

Check out the May Webinar Schedule

920 Central Road, Bloomsburg, PA 17815 | P: 800-255-4937 | F: 570-784-2129 | www.keystonehighschool.com

Keystone: Monthly Tip of the Trade

Switching Between Parent Observer Account and Student Account

This document refers to a situation where it appears that all course content has disappeared within a student’s account. In

a majority of cases, the student is logged in to the Parent Observer Account. The following steps will show you how to

switch back to the Student’s Account.

If you login to your course and the Navigation Menu on the left hand side of your screen looks like the graphic below,

you are in the Parent Observer Account.

In order to switch accounts you must fully logout of the Parent Observer Account. You can logout using the “Logout

Button” in the top right hand corner of your screen:

You will then be redirected to a login screen. Enter your unique Student Username and Password. Click “Login.”

You should now see your regular Keystone Homeroom page. You will be able to login to your classes and see content

again.