Dear Parents and Guardians,
It's almost time for the new school year to begin! We're looking forward to welcoming learners into a fresh start and a fun-filled year. As we closer to the date (August 24th), we'll continue to share helpful information to ensure you're prepared. We're also switching back to a weekly distribution of this newsletter.
This week, we're talking about:
Our move to AMP
Weekly Benchmarks for Learners
Keystone Exams Performance
Upcoming Events
Portrait of a Graduate: Global Traits - how learners begin to look forwards and outwards at the world around them
Starting at a new school can be overwhelming - especially if this is your first child or your first time at a cyber school. Over the coming weeks, we'll share some tips, tricks, and handy links to save to make your life a little easier.
First up is the Official School Calendar. This is where you'll find the start date, every Checkpoint and School Board meeting, holidays, family engagement events, state testing, and the last day of school.
Bookmark that link!
We have a new platform coming your way - and that's a good thing! We're making the move to PowerSchool. More details on how to access it will come from Principal Yahner next week (August 3rd). What you need to know now is that you'll have access to a lot more resources. You can expect to see:
Better navigation in Canvas
NEW Student Dashboard
NEW Parent Portal
More robust courses with way more resources!
You can expect the same curriculum that you've come to know and trust over the years, but now there are more resources for teachers to use with your child. This means more engaging tools, more options for interactive learning, and different pathways to master subject material. AMP put in all the time, resources, and effort to build this platform so that CPDLF instructors have more time to spend with your child. Stay tuned for more information.
At CPDLF, we know learning happens one step at a time. That's why Pennsylvania has updated its attendance requirements for cyber charter schools. In addition to logging in and attending school, learners must now demonstrate weekly engagement by completing schoolwork and making academic progress throughout the week.
While this is a new state requirement (Act 47 of 2025), it aligns with something we've always believed: success comes from consistent effort.
Think of each week as a milestone on the path toward your goals. Completing assignments, participating in learning activities, and staying engaged helps learners build momentum and stay on track for a strong finish to the school year.
Over the coming weeks, we'll share more information about what weekly engagement looks like and how families can easily monitor progress. For now, we encourage learners to start the new school year strong by showing up, doing their best work, and celebrating each accomplishment along the way.
Every completed week is another step toward success—and honey badgers know a thing or two about perseverance.
Don’t forget that you can help your school by participating in:
Box Tops for Education - scan your receipt after shopping!
Walmart’s Round Up Program - perfect for online orders!
Our School Spirit Store - represent CPDLF in comfy, cozy CPDLF gear!
Zeffy Donations - help us replenish our PBIS store for your learner!
August 3
10:00-11:00 Virtual
August 24
See you soon!
Each year, our learners take Pennsylvania's Keystone Exams to demonstrate what they've learned in Algebra I, Literature, and Biology. These assessments provide valuable insight into both individual student growth and how we're supporting learners across our school community.
This year's results were mixed. We saw encouraging improvement in Literature, with more learners reaching proficient levels and fewer scoring below basic. In Algebra I, however, we experienced a decline in performance, reminding us that there is important work ahead. Biology has yet to be reported.
While we celebrate our successes and learn from our challenges, one thing remains true: the first step to success is simply showing up.
Unlike a traditional classroom, cyber learners have the unique opportunity to complete much of their education from home—but Keystone Exams are one of the few times students come together in person to demonstrate what they know. Every learner who participates gives us a clearer picture of their progress and helps ensure they receive the support they need.
Learning Coaches play a vital role in that success. We encourage families to talk about Keystone Exams not as something to fear, but as an opportunity to showcase months of hard work and learning. A good night's sleep, a positive attitude, and simply giving their best effort can make a meaningful difference.
We'll continue using this year's data to strengthen instruction, celebrate what's working, and provide additional support where it's needed. Together, we'll help even more learners grow with confidence.
Did you know today's learners will graduate into a world that's more connected—and changing more rapidly—than ever before?
At CPDLF, we believe preparing learners for the future means helping them think beyond today's assignments. We want our graduates to be curious, adaptable, and prepared to solve the challenges of tomorrow while respecting the people and communities around them.
A CPDLF graduate:
• Strategizes for the future
• Solves problems creatively
• Respects local, national, and global communities
• Seeks to understand and respect others' perspectives
The future belongs to people who can think ahead. Whether planning for college, a career, military service, entrepreneurship, or another path, successful graduates learn to anticipate challenges, identify opportunities, and make thoughtful decisions that move them toward their goals.
Innovation also requires creativity. Many of tomorrow's challenges won't have simple answers, which is why we encourage learners to approach problems with curiosity, flexibility, and a willingness to explore new ideas. Creative problem-solvers are equipped to find solutions, adapt when circumstances change, and continue learning throughout their lives.
As technology brings people and ideas closer together, understanding different perspectives becomes more important than ever. Respecting others doesn't require agreeing with every viewpoint, but it does require listening, learning, and recognizing the value of experiences that may differ from our own. These skills help learners build meaningful relationships and contribute positively wherever life takes them.
At the same time, we want our graduates to recognize that they are part of something larger than themselves. By understanding the connections between their local community, our nation, and the broader world, they can make informed decisions and become thoughtful contributors who positively influence the lives of others.
The Portrait of a Graduate helps guide every decision we make because our mission extends far beyond graduation day. We are preparing learners to think ahead, embrace new ideas, appreciate different perspectives, and confidently navigate an ever-changing world—ready to make a meaningful difference wherever their future leads.
I hope you are enjoying your summer! I am looking forward to everyone returning in August to continue the learning! See you soon!
Dr. Maurer, CEO, ceo@cpdlf.org
Reminder: If you want to look back to previous CEO Updates, use the navigation bar in the top right hand corner of this pages to see past editions.