From interacting in live class to virtual social hours and in-person field trips and community events, PA Distance students have plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow classmates and their communities.

After-School Clubs

The teacher-sponsored after-school clubs provide students with a stress-free space to socialize and learn about topics they are interested in, outside of their daily schoolwork and guided curriculum. All after-school clubs take place when the school day is over, after 3:30 pm.

“I was nervous about transferring from another school. Joining a club made it very easy to make friends,” 11th-grader Alexandria G. explained.

From Sketchbook Club to Dungeons & Dragons Club, PA Distance students have a variety of options that satisfy a diverse range of interests. Two of our newest clubs include the 3D Print Club with staff sponsor, Mrs. Grosso, where she teaches students how to design their own 3-D printed object, and the eSports Team, where players compete against teams across the country.

“Everyone is so accepting and caring, and it’s really great to have people like that in your life,” 11th-grader Hannah N. explained when referencing the Dungeons & Dragons Club. 

“It’s a really good environment,” 9th-grader Grace A. said. “It’s something to look forward to every week!”

In addition to an opportunity to make friends and socialize with their peers outside of class, the after-school clubs offer a space for students to gain confidence. For example, in Sketchbook Club, students practice and improve their artistic abilities with support from their peers.

“If I don’t think my art is good, but someone else does, it helps me to push forward and keep trying my best,” 8th-grader Natalia V. said of being a member of the Sketchbook Club.

For a full list of the current after-school club offerings, visit our website. More information will be added once the 2022-2023 school year begins.

Field Trips & Community Engagement Events

Each month, the PA Distance Community Engagement Team and accompanying teachers and staff lead in-person field trips and family engagement events for students across Pennsylvania based on a theme or targeted initiative for that month.

For example, to celebrate Earth Day this past April, the Community Engagement team held an interactive gardening event in the new STEAM Hub, where students and their families planted their own herbs, tomatoes, and peppers to bring home with them.

“I loved gardening with my teacher Mr. Vatter, and my classmates,” 3rd-grader Payton D. said.

From Pittsburgh to Erie to Harrisburg, Scranton, and Philadelphia (and everywhere in between), our Community Engagement Team works hard to identify and plan accessible, diverse, and educational activities for in-person and virtual field trips, community connection events, and family engagement opportunities geared towards K-12 students.

Take a look at some recent trips and events in the videos below:

Game Night

Goldfish Swim School Safety Series

Family Painting Event

Heinz History Center

Bowling Week

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NOW ENROLLING

Are you looking for a cyber school for this coming school year? PA Distance is enrolling! Learn more about our public cyber school and submit your application for the 2022-2023 school year on our website.

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