Author: Provident Charter

Every year at Provident Charter School West (PCS West), we survey our students and families to learn more about their experiences at our tuition-free charter school. It’s a great way for us to evaluate the effectiveness of our curriculum, our ability to reach students with language-based learning differences, and the overall culture of our school. The answers always include some surprises and inspiration – we hope you feel the same!

What Our Families Say

• Overall satisfaction with PCS this year: 100% “Very satisfied/Satisfied”
• Has attending PCS benefitted your child this year?
  • “Yes!! When (my child) started at PCSW, he could not read or write. Now he’s excelling in everything!” 
  • “The overall program has been a game changer. A complete difference in (my child’s) ability to read.”
  • “Yes, (my child) loves going to school now. He is reading with a smile.”
  • “(My child) enjoys the smaller class sizes. She loves how teachers have built a relationship with her.”
  • “The staff is amazing!”

At PCS West, we build language learning skills so every student is excited to read. Are you ready to unlock your child’s potential and start them on the path to a bright future?

Contact us and ENROLL TODAY.

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About Provident Charter West

Provident Charter West is a tuition-free brick and mortar charter school serving 1st-5th grade students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Our innovative classroom model and effective teaching techniques inspire all learners. Students are supported by a close-knit community of specially-trained teachers, staff and engaged families within Beaver, Allegheny, & Butler Counties. Join PCS West today – ask about free transportation!

At Provident Charter School West (PCS West), we inspire students with language-based learning differences through innovative, hands-on curriculum. One visit to our 1st-5th grade classrooms and you’ll see that PCS West is not your typical elementary school. That’s because we are experts at what we do. Quite simply, at PCS West learning works.

Effective Tools

The curriculum that we use at PCS West incorporates innovative tools that are not present in traditional classroom settings. These strategies work with the different ways that our students’ brains process information, helping every student engage with their classwork.

Multisensory Learning

Multisensory learning incorporates visual, tactile, auditory and kinesthetic activities into the classroom, giving students more ways to understand, remember, and recall new information. At PCS West, it can include:

• Sand Writing: Students trace letters in sand as they verbalize the letter’s name and sound.
• Blending Boards: Teachers use large cards printed with letters, helping students produce the sound of each letter individually and then blend them together to read the word in its entirety.  
• Finger Tapping: Teachers display a card with a word written on it. As they say each letter, students tap their fingers, starting from their shoulder down to their wrist. 
• Assistive Technology: PCS West uses assistive technologies ranging from voice to text programs; word prediction software; and line readers to help students focus on a single line of text at a time.

Integrated Accommodations

Many PCS West students have Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) that define accommodations appropriate to their needs. Unlike many traditional schools, PCS West teachers are trained to work with these accommodations and often integrate them into their daily classroom settings. They can include: 

• Extended time to take tests
• The option to provide oral answers rather than written ones
• Exemption from reading out loud in class
• A quiet study space
• Offering written step-by-step directions and reading them aloud
• Keeping instructions simple
• Showing students how to break assignments into smaller tasks
• Providing checklists that help students monitor their understanding and progress
• Underlining keywords and ideas on materials that students should read first

At PCS West, our skilled, knowledgeable teachers are ready to unlock your child’s potential and start them on the path to a bright future. Interested in learning more?

Contact us and ENROLL TODAY.

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About Provident Charter West

Provident Charter West is a tuition-free brick and mortar charter school serving 1st-5th grade students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Our innovative classroom model and effective teaching techniques inspire all learners. Students are supported by a close-knit community of specially-trained teachers, staff and engaged families within Beaver, Allegheny, & Butler Counties. Join PCS West today – ask about free transportation!

At PROVIDENT CHARTER SCHOOL WEST (PCS West), our tuition-free charter school builds strong reading and writing skills in students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences. Our innovative curriculum includes low student-to-teacher ratios, small groups paced to individual learners, and a daily remediation block that gives students extra time to build reading skills. After the school year ends, we encourage our students to enjoy a summer of reading for fun. Here are 5 ways that you can help your child jump start their summer reading!

2. Take It Easy

Want a good rule of thumb when helping your child select summer books? Give them easy reading. Summer is supposed to be a relaxing time for kids to be kids. Let them experience the joy of reading without having to work hard on decoding words. It’s an easy way to help them get absorbed in books!

3. Read Aloud…Together

This summer, make the time to read aloud to your child, and let them take turns reading alongside you. That can mean incorporating books into your bedtime routine, sharing a quick lunchtime story, or simply reading signs together when you are in the car or grocery shopping. You may be surprised at how well your child can read aloud to you!

4. Use Technology

Don’t forget that there are many wonderful books that are available as audiobooks. Your LOCAL PUBLIC LIBRARY has audiobooks that you can check out at no cost, and there are online apps that have large selections of children’s audiobooks available for a fee. Some book apps even highlight sentences so that your child can read along with the narrator.

5. Be A Role Model

Learning starts at home, and that means that every caregiver can be a role model as a reader. Take books along to the beach or park. Going on a family vacation? Bring a book for the whole family to read and discuss. If you are dyslexic, let your child see you reading or listening to audiobooks. Talk about how you overcome your own difficulties with reading. Your attitude towards reading can be a positive influence on the next generation of readers!
At PCS West, we build language learning skills so every student is excited to read. Are you ready to unlock your child’s potential and start them on the path to a bright future?

Contact us and ENROLL TODAY.

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About Provident Charter West

Provident Charter West is a tuition-free brick and mortar charter school serving 1st-5th grade students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Our innovative classroom model and effective teaching techniques inspire all learners. Students are supported by a close-knit community of specially-trained teachers, staff and engaged families within Beaver, Allegheny, & Butler Counties. Join PCS West today – ask about free transportation!

At Provident Charter West (PCS West), our tuition-free charter school is known for our warm and caring 1st-5th grade learning environment. To get to know more about the people behind our school culture, we recently chatted with PCS West 4th/5th Grade Looping Teacher and Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner Jennifer Matelan.

Here’s what she had to say!

PCS West 4th/5th Grade Looping Teacher and Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner Jennifer Matelan

Who was your favorite teacher and why?

My favorite teacher in elementary school is Kathy Zaun, I had her for 1st grade, and again in 6th grade! She was warm, kind, and made learning fun. She was special! Currently, my favorite teacher is SANDRA SLAVEN! She has been my co-teacher throughout my time at PCS, and I feel I have grown so much as an educator, having her in my life!

How does PCS West’s mission and vision align with your personal values?

I believe every child is unique and an individual, and this drives the way I approach teaching. It’s important to work together with parents and administration to build students’ success and help them reach their full potential.

What do you love most about your role?

What I love most about my role is how I get to see firsthand the effect that quality, specially-designed education has on students. I am passionate about ensuring all of my students reap the benefits of our wonderful school! One of my favorite memories would be the day we published a book of poetry with our 4th grade students! They “lit up” and became full of excitement that they now are authors to a published book. Teaching them that they CAN do anything, they just have to want it, and work to achieve it!

Tell us a little about your life outside of PCS West!

My husband Nick and I have 2 beautiful boys, Nicholas and Jacob.  We enjoy watching and going to Pittsburgh sports games, especially the Penguins! I love reading, taking walks, bird watching, and kayaking in the warm weather. I also love curling up and watching a good movie or show in the evenings with my family! Going to the beach is one of my most favorite places to visit, with a good book in my hands and my feet in the sand, listening to the waves, and family enjoying their time!! Lastly, I’m working on a children’s book, and hope to build the courage to submit to a publishing company!

Talented, caring Provident Charter West staff serve struggling readers with top-notch whole child education in a tuition-free charter school environment. Are you interested in learning more about how PCS West can be a fit for your child?

Contact us and ENROLL TODAY.

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About Provident Charter West

Provident Charter West is a tuition-free brick and mortar charter school serving 1st-5th grade students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Our innovative classroom model and effective teaching techniques inspire all learners. Students are supported by a close-knit community of caring teachers, staff and engaged families in Beaver County. Join PCS West today!

Let’s be honest: for students with dyslexia and language-based learning differences, school can be tough. From social situations that are hard to navigate to teaching methods that just don’t resonate, young learners often struggle in traditional classrooms. At PROVIDENT CHARTER SCHOOL WEST (PCS WEST), our tuition-free charter school is flipping the script for those kids. Just come for a visit and you’ll see that it’s true: at PCS West, our students love to learn!

A Caring Culture

One of the first things you may notice when you enter a PCS West classroom is a feeling. A feeling of warmth and of being welcomed. By teachers and specialists, but also by students. That’s because the culture of PCS is something everyone participates in creating, and is an important part of our success. New students find that our small school environment can feel like a caring family – one that supports them through academic challenges and celebrates their successes.

Friendships Start Here

PCS West students often comment on how easy it is to make friends at our school. They can relate to the learning challenges that their classmates are experiencing, and work together in small groups that are paced to abilities. Through hands-on learning in our Makerspace to TAE KWON DO instruction for all grades, our students have time throughout the school day to try new things and have fun with their classmates, building friendships in the process.

Teaching That Fits

It may come as no surprise that when students start succeeding in school, they can’t wait to keep learning. Students with dyslexia and language-based learning differences require teachers who appreciate the unique strengths of their students and are trained in methods that fit their abilities. PCS West students may have struggled to succeed prior to enrolling at our school, but our innovative approach to teaching ensures that all students thrive academically. We staff two full-time professional teachers in every classroom and maintain a low student-to-teacher ratio. Students are grouped into small groups paced to individual learning abilities, and a daily remediation block for reading and math gives teachers extra time to address individual learning needs. 

At PCS West, we create a nurturing culture so that all students come to school excited to learn! Are you ready to unlock your child’s potential and start them on the path to a bright future?

Contact us and ENROLL TODAY.

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About Provident Charter West

Provident Charter West is a tuition-free brick and mortar charter school serving 1st-5th grade students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Our innovative classroom model and effective teaching techniques inspire all learners. Students are supported by a close-knit community of caring teachers, staff and engaged families in Beaver County. Join PCS West today!

At PROVIDENT CHARTER SCHOOL WEST (PCS West), we understand that there are many ways to reach 1st-5th grade students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences. Our unique classroom structure and individualized instruction are just the beginning. PCS West also offers tuition-free instruction in Tae Kwon Do – a martial art form that has been around for over 2,000 years. So how can breaking a board benefit your child? The answers may surprise you!

Science-based Benefits

There are so many benefits to learning a martial art form like Tae Kwon Do – especially for young children. From social-skills’ boosting aspects of increased confidence, individual achievement, positive feedback, to just being a fun way to connect with peers outside of a traditional classroom setting. Tae Kwon Do helps build brain skills too! Students learn to recognize and perform patterns and sequences, work on large and fine motor skills, and practice self control in their bodies while focusing their minds. All skills that translate into language learning! 

Come Check It Out!

Interested in learning more about Tae Kwon Do at PCS West? Come visit a student demonstration and see how your child can enjoy this unique opportunity. We offer a free community demonstration at PCS CENTRAL each year, and perform at the Pittsburgh Zoo as part of the PITTSBURGH ASIAN LATERN FESTIVAL. In addition, motivated students can join our “Team Storm”, which hosts two competitions each year and performs at Duquesne University basketball halftime shows!

At PCS West, there are so many approaches to unlocking a child’s potential – including Tae Kwon Do! Are you ready to start your child on the path to a bright future? CONTACT US and take a tour today!

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About Provident Charter West

Provident Charter West is a tuition-free brick and mortar charter school serving 1st-5th grade students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Our innovative classroom model and effective teaching techniques inspire all learners. Students are supported by a close-knit community of caring teachers, staff and engaged families in Beaver County. Join PCS West today!

Schedule a Tour Today!

FILL OUT OUR ONLINE FORM to schedule a tour of PCS West. 

Tour Tips

When you visit our campus for the first time, there are some things you may want to keep an eye out for as you determine if PCS West is the right fit for your child.

• Are the classrooms warm and welcoming? 
• Are children active and happy? 
• Were the teachers friendly and willing to answer your questions? 
• Does the location work well for your family? PCS West is LOCATED IN BADEN, PA.
• Did you feel a personal connection? Don’t underestimate your gut feeling when you’re making an important school choice for your child!

Next Steps

Whether you’re ready to enroll or have a few more questions about PCS West, OUR STAFF is here to help. Check out our “HOW TO APPLY” page for more information about the enrollment process. We’d love to see you here! 

At PCS West, our skilled, knowledgeable teachers are ready to unlock your child’s potential and start them on the path to a bright future. Interested in learning more? CONTACT US and take a tour today!

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About Provident Charter West

Provident Charter West is a tuition-free brick and mortar charter school serving 1st-5th grade students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Our innovative classroom model and effective teaching techniques inspire all learners. Students are supported by a close-knit community of caring teachers, staff and engaged families in Beaver County. Join PCS West today!

What inspired you to become an educator?

This is my 33rd year teaching elementary students. I’ve always enjoyed working with children.  My grandfather was a principal and my grandmother was a special education teacher.  I grew-up loving school!   

Who was your favorite teacher and why?

My favorite teacher was my 8th grade civics teacher, Mr. Charles Hughey.  He was my favorite teacher because I learned so much in his class.  He had very high expectations for his students.  He had high expectations for academics, but also for behavior.  He kept students engaged during direct instruction, and he provided fun activities for the students. 

How does PCS West’s mission and vision align with your personal values?

I am passionate about every child receiving the best education possible for that child. For a democratic society to be successful, its citizens must be educated, informed, and critical thinkers.  The mission of PCS West ensures that students are provided with a high quality, well-rounded education that is delivered through multisensory instructional methods and individual learning plans. At PCS West, every student is met at their level and given the tools to reach their full potential.

What do you love most about your role?

The thing I love most about my role as a teacher are the “ah-ha” moments. There is always a point in time, an event or an experience that creates an “ah-ha” moment for a student.  One of my favorite moments is when a student (who did not like math) said that she never understood long division – then, she GOT it!  At that moment she started to love math and she wanted to solve long division problems all the time! 

Tell us a little about your life outside of PCS West!

Along with teaching, I served 21 years in the Pennsylvania Air National Guard. I am a veteran of the Persian Gulf War and I retired as a Lieutenant Colonel.  I have had many great experiences and adventures and I am looking forward to many more! 
Talented, caring Provident Charter School West staff serve struggling readers with top-notch whole child education in a tuition-free charter school environment. Are you interested in learning more about how PCS West can be a fit for your child?

Contact us and ENROLL TODAY.

••••••••••••••••••••••

About Provident Charter West

Provident Charter West is a tuition-free brick and mortar charter school serving 1st-5th grade students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Our innovative classroom model and effective teaching techniques inspire all learners. Students are supported by a close-knit community of caring teachers, staff and engaged families in Beaver County. Join PCS West today!

Personalized Learning Prioritized Here

Because PCS West serves students with language-based learning differences, many of our young learners have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). An IEP is a document which outlines a student’s personalized educational plan, including specifics around specialized instruction and related services. Many PCS West parents report challenges implementing IEPs at other schools, feeling defensive and anxious discussing with staff and having to advocate for their child. At PCS West, we partner with parents to create and implement IEPs, and conduct formal conferences twice each year to provide feedback on learning. In addition, our teachers and staff are very accessible to families who would like to check in about their child or answer questions about the IEP process.    

Family Engagement Series

Learning isn’t just for enrolled students at PCS West. Each year we host a Family Engagement Series for parents and caregivers to attend with their children. Popular events like the Dyslexia Simulation and STEAM Night offer unique experiences to learn more about our curriculum and language-based learning differences. Families of all ages visit our campus to enjoy hands-on curriculum-based events like Frog Day, Cake Decorating, House/Circuits Project, and more. These events are a great way to have fun with your family and get to know the PCS West community! 

Volunteers Wanted

PCS West parents and caregivers are encouraged, but not required, to VOLUNTEER in our school. We offer a VARIETY OF OPPORTUNITIES that accommodate the schedules of working parents and busy families. Our PARENT GROUP helps with fundraising and is always looking for volunteers to support our school activities. From assisting with in-class reading support and field trip chaperones; attending teacher conferences or book fairs; or coordinating our Health & Wellness Fair, Dyslexia Simulation and other events; there are lots of ways to be involved at PCS West. Interested in spreading the word about PCS West? Come volunteer as an ambassador! As guest speakers and as resources for prospective families, our ambassadors talk first-hand about the benefits that PCS West has provided for their learners. It’s a great way to give back to our school!  

These are just some of the ways that Provident Charter West families and teachers are crucial partners in student success. Are you interested in learning more about how PCS West can be a fit for your child? Contact us and ENROLL TODAY.

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About Provident Charter West

Provident Charter West is a tuition-free brick and mortar charter school serving 1st-5th grade students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Our innovative classroom model and effective teaching techniques inspire all learners. Students are supported by a close-knit community of caring teachers, staff and engaged families in Beaver County. Join PCS West today!

Our Futures Are Bright

The journey from being labeled by dyslexia to creating and sustaining a bright future is nurtured by PCS West. Beyond the fundamental ability to read and write, we give students a toolbox of skills that they can take with them after they leave our school. These skills can be as small as harnessing the speech-to-text function on phones or as big as self-advocacy and the confidence to take academic risks and try new things. Our students move into their next educational setting prepared to succeed and ready to soar to new heights!

Dyslexia doesn’t have to be seen as a challenge to overcome. At PCS West, our skilled, knowledgeable teachers are ready to unlock your child’s potential and start them on the path to a bright future. Interested in learning more? Contact us and ENROLL TODAY.

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About Provident Charter West

Provident Charter West is a tuition-free brick and mortar charter school serving 1st-5th grade students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Our innovative classroom model and effective teaching techniques inspire all learners. Students are supported by a close-knit community of caring teachers, staff and engaged families in Beaver County. Join PCS West today!