Here at CPDLF, we are so proud of our learners, past and present! Check out the stories below telling of their amazing accomplishments.
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Be Seen in Green
CPDLF's amazing staff and learners joined together to "Be Seen in Green" in support of Mental Health Awareness, proudly led by our SEL team.
From vibrant shirts to subtle accents, the sea of green across CPDLF was more than just a color—it was a powerful reminder that mental health matters.
Together, we’re building a community where everyone feels seen, heard, and supported.
Learner Spotlights
Bailey Finegan, a senior at CPDLF, shares how transferring to the school helped improve her mental health after struggling at her previous school. The supportive environment and flexible schedule allowed her to focus on her well-being. She advises younger students to manage stress by taking breaks when needed, not overpressuring themselves, and treating themselves for their hard work. Bailey's favorite class is Digital Publications with Mrs. Roke, where she enjoys creative tasks like making flyers, designing color palettes, and learning about design details. She looks forward to working on the 2024-2025 yearbook in the spring.
Kadence McGarvey's favorite subject at CPDLF is science! Kadence enjoys watching the labs provided through the lessons. Kadence would say to the younger learners 'to always work ahead so that you never get behind and to keep track of all the work you do every week.'
Amelia Rose Bowers wants to become a photographer after graduation. Amelia enjoyed participating in CPDLF’s virtual field trip, like Flight 93.
Advice Amelia wants to give to our younger learners, “Don’t let the weather get you down and focus on the good things.”
Savannah Metz is a senior here at CPDLF. Savannah plans to further her education in child development while watching her son grow up. With the flexibility of CPDLF, Savannah can juggle it all! Savannah's favorite classes at CPDLF are art.
Advice Savannah has for younger learners is to "just keep going."
Isabella Schartiger is senior who is starting a job working at a nursing home. Isabella has plans of graduating college with a nursing degree! Isabella's favorite memories are the support she received from all of our teachers.
Isabella recommends CPDLF because "it's a fast and easy process to get caught up, and it's a very good school. They actually teach and go over things and reach out. I think CPDLF was the best choice for me."
Jordan Straub is a senior here at CPDLF. Jordan was able to receive a CNA license through the flexibility of CPDLF and is now working full time in a nursing home! Jordan’s next plans are to receive a LPN and then her RN license!
Jordan’s favorite class was geometry, saying the lessons were fun but also effective.
Advice Jordan has for younger learners: “Don't give up. Don't hesitate to ask for help, and never once doubt yourself because you can and will get through it.”
Heather Scott is a Learning Coach here at CPDLF. She says every day as a learning coach is quite like being a parent, fun, rewarding, and sometimes chaotic. Everyday is different and presents different challenges and opportunities.
Heather stresses the importance of keeping a consistent routine.
She says that being present allows her the opportunity to ask her learners questions, help them navigate daily work, and mold them into the successful learners that they are! It is also very important to her that they complete all their daily tasks in each subject, so they never fall behind.
Heather and her learners use different brain breaks throughout the day. Also, fresh air and fun exercise seems to work the best to reset the mind for the next task.
The Scott’s stay in constant communication with their Learning Guides. They are not afraid to ask questions or ask for suggestions when they need help. The teachers and staff at CPDLF are great resources!
After all of the hard work from Heather and her learners, she makes sure to incorporate brain breaks and outside activities, so her learners don’t burn out. She says it is a learning process to find what works best for you and your family.
Carolyn Finegan is a Learning Coach here at CPDLF. Carolyn’s learner is a senior and getting ready to graduate. Carolyn is helping her tackle new kinds of adjustments as she transitions into a higher education. Everyday for Carolyn and her learner is different and their school times could be different depending on her learner’s appointments.
Carolyn practices their routine of going through and determining their goals for the day and week. Carolyn’s learner has her assignments written out and they keep them posted where she can see them. Her learner crosses out the completed tasks and focuses on the ones she still has left.
A tip Carolyn has to stay involved with CPDLF’s announcements is that she keeps up with the newsletters and emails that are sent.
Carolyn focuses on her learners' needs and listens to her and her concerns – if the day is stressful they try moving to something different or they walk away for a few moments.
Carolyn keeps a lot of positive quotes around her learners’ desk to keep her motivated and inspired, reminding her of the wonderful work she has done.
As a dedicated learning coach, Danielle plays an active role in supporting Oakley’s education each day. From the moment the day begins, she ensures Oakley is logged in, understands her lessons, and stays engaged with her schoolwork. Whether it's helping her through difficult concepts or checking in on her progress, Danielle is always hands-on and present.
Structure is key in their home. Danielle keeps Oakley on track by making sure she gets enough rest and has a clear understanding of her daily schedule—complete with subjects, activities, and any appointments.
To stay informed, Danielle keeps up with emails and checks Skyward regularly. She appreciates how responsive the teachers are and values their support in answering questions and offering help.
Keeping Oakley motivated is all about creativity and encouragement. Whether they’re out running errands or on a family outing, Danielle turns everyday experiences into learning moments—reading signs, talking about nature, or visiting educational places. Sometimes, she even offers small rewards for completing schoolwork as a way to keep things fun and engaging.
Learner Poet
Shoutout to Harper Sedlock of the 8th grade! She was nominated by teacher Leslie Rupp. Harper is an avid reader who aspires to attend Penn State with the dreams of becoming a therapist one day. She also hopes to travel the world.
Teacher Melissa Cabo had this to say about Harper, "Harper Sedlock is in my ELA 8 class. She is just exceptional. She keeps up with assignments and turns in quality work. She attends my Live Lessons and participates. She is respectful and helpful to other learners".
Harper is also a talented poet - she wrote "Growing Minds" after being with us for a few months.
Fixed minds will simply choose
To feel they will only lose.
Fixed minds will strictly refuse
To give a chance to other views.
Fixed minds won't persevere,
Won't listen when they hear,
That success can only come
From pushing past the fear.
But, growing minds invite the challenge
And answer it with pride,
Knowing that winners are only those
Who never gave up, but who tried.
But, growing minds invite the challenge
And answer it with pride,
Knowing that winners are only those
Who never gave up, but who tried.

Today we spotlight an outstanding member of the class of 2023 - Martina Maurer! Martina has been enrolled with CPDLF since August 2019, and is currently enrolled in the Emergency Services Program at the Greater Altoona Career and Technology Center. Martina has worked really hard to be a certified EMT, and has recently been hired by AMED. This is a great accomplishment, and we couldn't be more proud! Congratulations Martina!

While previously nominated for a learner spotlight in the 21-22 school year, this learner continues to achieve great things! Taylor's learning guide, Heather Jancula, says this about her, "Taylor Weston is one of those learners who is memorable from the moment you first meet her. She is driven from the moment she wakes up in the morning until she goes to bed." Taylor attends the Greater Altoona Career and Technology Center for Interior Design. This year, she "knew she needed a way to continue learning and challenging herself". Taylor has done just that - she was able to get an internship at Cisney and O'Donnell Builders and Remodelers, where she gains hands-on experience in the showroom and on job sites! In addition to school, vo-tech, and an internship, she also has a part-time job, helps her single mother transport younger siblings to extra-curricular activities, and "continues to foster her love for reading as she reads one book after the other". Mrs. Jancula says, "Taylor is truly a learner that encompasses everything CPDLF stands for from being ambitious, empowered, connected, engaged, organized, dedicated, helpful, talented, and so much more. I know Taylor will be ready to take on the design world and the design world will be lucky to have such an amazing learning".
Taylor is a Skills USA and National Technical Honor Society. She will be attending an upcoming National Technical Honor Society banquet where she will be presented with a certificate. In the fall, Taylor plans to attend LaRoche College. Taylor, we are so proud of you and cannot wait to see what you do next!

Dr. Deanna Mayers, CPDLF principal, facilitated a "CPDLF Reads" challenge for learners over the summer months. She encouraged learners to spend time reading everyday and 4th grader Edward Gorba did just that! He read 71 books this summer! Edward said that he loves to read because reading helps the imagination grow.
Congratulations to Nina Kolenovic (Grades 6-8) and Courtney Brown (Grades 9-12), winners of our See Something, Say Something poster contest for National Bullying Prevention Month.
Honorable mentions awarded to Jaliyah Brown, Gianna Glennon, and Eshon Jacobs (Grades 6-8), and Mandi Butler (Grades 9-12).
A huge thank you from our SAP Team to all who participated!
April 2022
CPDLF 2nd grader Connor Szymusiak set a goal at the beginning of the school year to read 100 books in Epic and recently reached 200 books!
CPDLF uses Epic (a digital library and e-reader for books and videos for children) for instruction as well as fostering the love of reading. Connor said that while his favorite class at CPDLF is art, he is excited that Epic has a lot of books for him to choose from. Mrs. Jamie Saylor, 2nd grade instructor, said, "Connor is a well rounded and creative student who loves reading. It was so exciting to hear about the books he was reading. I am so proud of Connor!"
Taylor Weston, a CPDLF 11th grader, was recently inducted into the National Technical Honor Society on March 23, 2022. Taylor attends the Greater Altoona Career and Technology Center where she is taking Interior Decorating and Finishing. Congratulations from all of us, Taylor!
Check out what our CPDLF second graders in Miss Saylor's class created at the end of the year! Be sure to scroll through to see all our bird nests. Special thanks to Miss Saylor for helping put this post together.
Meet Trenton!
Trenton is a 9th grade CPDLF student who has been building and racing cars for 3 years. In that time he has collected 10 feature wins, and spends 30-40 hours each week in the shop in addition to his 5 hours per week at the race track. He plans to continue building and racing, and has some big goals for this season: the track championship at Mountain Top Speedway, make the big show at the Three Rivers Clone Clash, and keep his equipment in one piece.