Teacher Spotlight - Ms. Reilly - Best Online School in PA

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Teacher Spotlight – Ms. Reilly

Teacher Spotlight: Ms. Reilly

We recently had the opportunity to speak to PALCS Special Education teacher, Ms. Christine Reilly, who has been working at PALCS since 2017. Before working as a Special Education teacher, Ms. Reilly was our 10^th grade Academic Advisor.

Our Academic Advisors are responsible for providing educational guidance and assistance for students by planning schedules, recommending courses and determining appropriate education solutions for different types of students.

Ms. Reilly was born and raised in Philadelphia, but now resides in Delaware county. She received her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology with a minor in Nutrition at West Chester University, as well as her Master of Art in Education: Instructional Leadership at Neumann University. Ms. Reilly also has a PA Elementary Teaching Certificate K-6, and a PA Special Education Teaching Certificate, N-12.

Ms. Reilly has been interested in working in education since she was 5 years old. “My favorite thing [about working for PALCS] is having the one on one chat time with my students.” She adds, “I love supporting them academically as well as learning about them on a personal level.”

Before working at PALCS, Ms. Reilly was a flight attendant for American Airlines (US Airways). “I worked all different shifts and flew to several different places both domestic and international.” After spending four years as a flight attendant, traveling all over the world, Ms. Reilley claims that she is “very happy now to be on land and back working in the education field, [and] I am very grateful to be employed at PA Leadership Charter School.”

Some of Ms. Reilly’s hobbies include doing Spartan races and cross training. “I am an active person outside of work as I am usually doing strength and conditioning training or (Obstacle Course Training) OCR training,” says Christine. OCR races can be anywhere from 3 to 13 miles with about 20 to 30 obstacles.

Ms. Reilly finished her first Spartan in July 2017, and she already has 8 Spartan medals, and one double trifecta medal. “I love Spartan races because they helped strengthen me both physically and mentally, and I am very thankful for that. Spartan races are not only physically demanding, but there’s also a huge mental component as well. It was the mental part that won my heart when it comes to racing.”

We would like to thank Ms. Reilly for taking the time to speak with us and sharing her story! Ms. Reilly has been truly a wonderful asset to the PALCS community. We are so proud and honored to have her on our team!

By PALCS Information Team|2024-07-24T02:33:23-04:00February 1st, 2019|Categories: Latest News|

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.

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

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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.

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

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 get personalized feedback on assignments.

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

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

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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 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!

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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

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

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