The Column

• NO SCHOOL on Wednesday, October 5 for Yom Kippur
• Pillars Welcome Meeting will be held on-site on October 7 from 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
• PALCS Back-to-School Celebration is also on October 7 following the Pillars Welcome Meeting. The PALCS picnic will be held from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at the West Goshen Community Park with the 5K following from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

• The next ambassador meeting will be held during lunch on Tuesday, October 11 for High School and Wednesday, October 12 for Middle School. Please be sure to reach out to Ms. Mazzio or Ms. Severson if you will be unable to attend.

• NO SCHOOL on Monday, October 10 for Indigenous Peoples' Day and Columbus Day

• CPFA Picture Day will be held on Monday, October 24 for Middle School and Tuesday, October 25 for High School. Make-up days will be available. Check out more information on how to purchase and access your photos HERE!
  
• The signed signature page of the CPFA Student and Parent Handbook of Policies and Procedures is due on November 7, 2022. All students and guardians are required to read and sign this important document. More information can be found below:

The 2022-23 CPFA Student and Parent Handbook of Policies and Procedures outlines important information regarding topics such as dress code, attendance, and the academic policy. These policies and procedures help guide CPFA faculty, staff, parents, and students in behavior, discipline, and praise. All students and parents are required to read the handbook and sign the agreement linked on the final page of the document. The deadline for student and parent signatures is November 7, 2022.

CPFA will now have a student laptop available for PALCS attendance purposes located in the lobby. It is very important that students are remembering to log on every single school day, including the days that they attend CPFA.

There are two (2) primary attendance requirements for PALCS:

• Log in each school day listed in the academic calendar via the student account in PALCSchool.
• Remain current with all assignments.

Please note that students are never allowed to give other students their log-in information and password or to ask other students to “log in” for them, in the interest of time. Giving another student your log-in information is considered CHEATING, and this violation of the Honor Code carries serious consequences for all parties.

School health screenings are being conducted In October for on-site students during the school day. If your student has had and submitted a physical exam or annual screening form, a school screening is not required. For students who have not submitted these documents, the school nurse will check height, weight, vision, and hearing for appropriate grades.

Magnus Health is a student health portal used by Health Services to access students' medical information such as allergies, emergency contacts, consent to treat, and over-the-counter medication consent forms.

The CPFA nurse cannot treat any students without these required documents completed first. CPFA on-site students must complete the over-the-counter medication form which contains a list of medications that you may consent to or decline for your individual student to receive at the nurse's office. This form also contains a consent to treat, for the nurse to treat your student if they require any medical assistance during the school day.

If you have not done so already, please complete your student's Magnus documents for this school year. If you have previously completed Magnus last year, please update your forms as they expire at the end of each school year.

If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Amanullah (Grablewski) at Jgrablewski@palcs.org.

Join us THIS FRIDAY for the first Pillars meeting of the year! The CPFA Pillars Welcome meeting will be held on October 7 from 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at the CPFA facility for the first time in almost three years!. We encourage all current MS and HS CPFA parents to attend.

Pillars provides critical volunteer support to all classes and extra-curricular activities for the four CPFA departments. There are a variety of commitment levels needed, and the CPFA staff can't do it without you.

During the event, new parents and families will have the opportunity to discuss some of the upcoming events on the CPFA calendar, tour the facility, and meet some of the CPFA faculty. Families who cannot participate can join us via our Zoom livestream link.

The first day of the CPFA school year is called Arts Immersion. The purpose of Arts Immersion is to begin the new year as a community focusing on a common theme. This year, that theme was "Look Up."

Pictured above are the Middle School students participating in an Arts Immersion activity promoting community and collaboration. Students were given the option to pass either a plastic egg or a water balloon between them and a partner taking a step back after each toss. They followed up this activity by collaborating in groups to explore the themes of "Look Up" through the lens of Music, Theatre, Fine Art, and Dance.

The CPFA Jazz Mavericks will once again be performing at the Malvern Farmers Market in Burke Park on Saturday, October 15 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Stop by with a blanket or lawn chair, and bring some cash for the vendors.

New student, Alex Blab (clarinet), says she is glad to be performing in a group again, adding that before joining CPFA and PALCS, she missed "public school and playing in a [band]". She went on to say that she is looking forward to the year but most of all, "I am most excited about our trip to Virginia to attend the World Strides Heritage music festival."

PALCS is excited to bring Dia Dolce Cupcakes to CPFA on Thursday, October 20! A cupcake truck will be parked outside of the CPFA facility during lunch with a range of cupcakes available for sale to raise money for the PALCS summer trip to Italy and France!

If you have any questions about the cupcake truck or the PALCS summer trip, please reach out to Ms. Intelicato at eintelicato@palcs.org.

Tri-M Music Honor Society is proud to present the first Friday Night Café of the school year on October 21 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. in the CPFA Allen Theater. FNC is an “open mic night,” and we are looking for ANY kind of performer- from photographers, singers, musicians, and beyond!

In the past, FNC has had both faculty and students perform a wide variety of material, including music, dance choreography, sketch comedy, stand-up comedy, and even an acrobatic rope performer!

All CPFA students, both middle school and high school, on-site or remote access are encouraged to perform and attend. Student performers can sign up on the list in the Student Lounge or use the online registration form. Remote Access students can submit a video performance or perform live via Zoom on the Allen Theater video wall! All acts are vetted by the Music Department for quality and school appropriateness.

Still want to purchase one?! We have extra! Bring in $60 cash or check (made out to “Balfour”) to Mrs. Robinson in the Graphic Design room.

A group of CPFA high school students will be training with Role Models for Change Academy. Their two-part Peer Prevention Education program utilizes mentorship, education, and peer-to-peer support training to highlight the consequences of nicotine use (including vaping) by youth.

Part 1, the Leadership Skills Workshop, will take place on Tuesday, October 4th during Periods 1 and 2. There is still space for high school students to participate! Please reach out to Ms. Gore with any questions.

On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, Mrs. Duncan is bringing Yoga & Mindfulness to all CPFA students. The class is held from 7:40 - 8:05 a.m in Dance Studio B. Students should arrive at 7:35 a.m. to participate in yoga postures (asanas), gentle movement sequences, breath work (pranayama), and relaxation (savasana). The objective of the practice is to bring awareness and mindfulness to the breath and the body. Yoga mats will be provided or feel free to bring your own. Links to sign up will be posted each month in the newsletter and on the CPFA Facebook page. Please sign up for October here:

Middle School Sign-Up

High School Sign-Up

The first show of the season is the CPFA Fall Middle School Play, She Kills Monsters: Young Adventurers Edition, written by Qui Nguyen, and directed by Ms. Sophie Gore.

Tickets are now on sale for performances on Thursday, November 10, 2022 - Saturday, November 12, 2022! For tickets go to http://cpfa.booktix.com.

She Kills Monsters tells the story of Agnes Evans as she leaves her childhood home in Ohio following the death of her teenage sister, Tilly. When Agnes finds Tilly’s Dungeons & Dragons notebook, however, she finds herself catapulted into a journey of discovery and action-packed adventure in the imaginary world that was her sister’s refuge. In this high-octane dramatic comedy laden with ill-tempered fairies, nasty ogres, and 90s pop culture, acclaimed playwright Qui Nguyen offers a heart-pounding homage to the geek and warrior within us all.

We are excited to announce that the CPFA New York Field Trip is resuming this school year on Wednesday, March 22, 2023! All CPFA students are invited to join us in seeing the award winning Broadway musical Kimberly Akimbo! This trip is very popular and will sell out fast! Get your tickets as soon as you can. Only CPFA students are permitted to buy tickets. There is a no refund policy. The total cost for Student Tickets is $214.08.

The Trip Includes

• Bus Trip
• Broadway Workshop
• Lunch at Hardrock Cafe
• Ticket to Kimberly Akimbo on Broadway

Student Tickets can be found HERE!

NY THEATRE FIELD TRIP - ITINERARY/WHAT TO BRING

CPFA's new World Music Drumming class is off to a great start, despite an early hiccup. Because of supply chain issues, our order for drums and equipment is still waylaid. Nonetheless, with borrowed instruments from Penncrest HS (big thanks to them and to Mr. West for getting them), students have a variety of hand drums with which to practice. They are developing technique with hand-drumming, while learning a variety of rhythms. Best of all, in the spirit of a drum circle, we are building a sense of community through shared leadership and music-making. Here is a sample with a circle led by AJ, with Will, Joey, Michael, and Laura participating.

The CPFA Music Department will once again be hosting students from the West Chester University undergraduate Music Education department who will be observing classes during fourth period on high school days from October 4 to October 13. All WCU students have submitted completed child abuse clearances and criminal reference checks and will be watching our music teachers and students in action!

GREATER PHILADELPHIA CAPPIES

CPFA will once again participate in the Cappies! This year we will present the CPFA Spring High School Musical Little Women for award consideration. Our Cappie Critic team consists of Kylie Turnage (Lead Critic), Annie O’Rourke-Tallman, Steven Barnes, and Malloree Marshall. These four students are required to be at the Cappies training on Sunday, October 16 from 11:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. (lead critics are needed from 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.).

On Friday, October 14 thespians are asked to come to CPFA for Allen Theatre maintenance. We will then have our in-person monthly Thespian Meeting from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. (please bring a lunch).

We are having a Sound Board Training in the CPFA Allen Theatre with theatre professional Dan Imburgia. This will happen on Friday, October 7 from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. All thespians are required to attend unless they are going on the chorale trip.

We are having a Lighting Board Training in the CPFA Allen Theatre with lighting professional James Lochhart on Friday, October 14 from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. All Thespians are required to attend.

Any high school or middle school student interested in tech theatre is encouraged to attend these trainings. All students attending the trainings must submit the following form (we only need it once for the year). Please either email your signed copy to Mr. Greenfield (jgreenfield@palcs.org) or bring it to the workshop.

Please mark your calendars for the Dance Department’s Dance Showcase: Middle School Dance Showcase at CPFA Wednesday November 16, 2022 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. High School Dance Showcase at CPFA Thursday November 17, 2022 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Please note that the National Honors Society for Dance Arts Induction Ceremony will occur before the High School Showcase. Every student in a dance class is required to be part of the Dance Showcase.

The 2022 Dance Concert RHYTHM DVD and Link are now available. Information was emailed to dancers. Please reach out to Mrs. Carey at lcarey@palcs.org to get your DVD and Link.

National Honors Society for Dance Arts applications were due Friday September 30. The next NHSDA meeting will be held on Tuesday October 4, 2022 at 11:15 a.m. in Dance Studio A.

National Art Honor Society (NAHS) - has had its 22-23 kick-off Informational session, and is now looking for new and returning High School members to commit to NAHS for the school year. The next lunchtime meeting will be held on Thursday, October 13 in the 3D studio.

Fine Art Students, please mark your calendars for November 6, 2022 for Portfolio Day! It is encouraged that all AP Fine Arts students attend- more information will be discussed in all fine arts classes. Students interested in attending should tell their art teachers in order to get assistance preparing their portfolios throughout October.

The Fine Art Department is looking for donations from our CPFA community! The Wish List can be found here and includes items such as sea shells, magazines, and tupperware- all donations are greatly appreciated but not required. Please leave any donations with Ms. Severson in the lobby or with any of the Fine Art teachers. Thank you!

PHILLY YO FIELD TRIP- Save the Date! Coming up on Thursday, November 10 the CPFA Fine Arts department will be taking students on a field trip to Philadelphia for a photography shoot and sketchbook walk to Center City galleries, such as The Fabric Workshop, historic sites and Reading Terminal Market. More details will be available soon!

The Digital Media lab & Mini Mac lab is getting a refresh! Last week 22 new 27" Mac computers were installed in a much-needed upgrade. These new computers have faster processing speeds and a greater memory. The larger screen will allow images, videos and text to be super sharp and give students a more natural, professional and immersive experience with their designs. Improved graphics, in combination with memory, will give students the opportunity to experiment with 3D rendering, video editing, and demanding graphics. Students in Graphic Design, Filmmaking, Photography and Character Design classes will have the opportunity to design on the new machines. Stay tuned to next month’s Column for impressive “after” lab images!

October marks the annual PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Month. This month’s focus will be to encourage students to take action to create a safe and supportive school environment, as well as inspiring everyone to promote kindness, acceptance, and inclusion to help prevent bullying. For more information about the importance of bullying prevention, feel free to check out this article!

CPFA will be recognizing National Bullying Prevention Month through a variety of community-driven events, including the return of our Caught Being Kind Wall and a CPFA Kindness Poster Challenge! On Wednesday, October 19 , plan to wear and share the color orange for Unity Day! We wear orange as a tangible representation of the supportive, universal message that our society wants to prevent bullying, and is united for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion.

PSAT Testing at PALCS will be held on Wednesday, October 12 from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. They will be held at the Advanced Ideas Center, home of the University Scholars Program. For more information or any questions, please contact Mary Beth Stefanski at mstefanski@palcs.org

Don't forget that Marking Period 1 Progress Check 2 is Monday, October 17. If you need tips on studying, stress management, or anything related to academic and personal success, check out the CPFA Guidance Canvas page!

Join Ms. Mazzio and PALCS College & Career Adviser Mx. Matchett on Wednesday, October 19 from 6:00 -7:00 p.m. for this year’s first Life After High School workshop! This will be a virtual event offered in collaboration with PALCS’ College and Career Week (October 17 - 21). The Life After High School workshop will be held exclusively for CPFA students and parents and will focus on the college search, scholarships, and financial aid. Please RSVP by Tuesday, October 18 using this form. Mark your calendars: Mx. Matchett will also be on-site at CPFA on Tuesday, October 25 for individual student meetings. A sign-up sheet will be distributed closer to the date.

CONGRATULATIONS to CPFA Remote Access student LilliMae Sweigert for being elected as the new PALCS Student Government Vice President!

LillieMae also serves as the Secretary of the CPFA chapter of Tri-M Music Honor Society along with her sister Sylvia who serves as the Tri-M President.

Please make sure you have downloaded the Remind app on your phones and any other mobile devices you may have. This is the platform we use to best communicate with our students and families in case of school closings or emergencies.

If you are not on the Remind group for CPFA, you can text @palcscpfa to the number 81010 to get text messages, or download the app and search for @palcscpfa or CPFA Parents. Once you have downloaded the app you will be prompted to enter your email address, enter an emailed verification code, and select your school and role. We are identified as Pennsylvania Leadership Cs and the class is called CPFA Parents. If you have any questions, please reach-out to Ms. Sophia Severson (sseverson@palcs.org)

CPFA Student and Parent Handbook of Policies and Procedures

Remote Access Program

Theatre Department
Music Department
Dance Department

Fine Arts Department

Check out the September edition of The Column here for a letter from the Head Administrator of CPFA, information about the CPFA Back-to-School Picnic, and more!

Email: info@palcs.org
Website: https://www.palcs.org/cpfa/about-cpfa/
Location: 211 Carter Drive suite c, West Chester, PA, USA
Phone: (610) 430-6525