GVP Family News
December 18, 2020
A Note From The Principal
Season's Greeting Parents & Scholars,
Reflection! This is the time of year we reflect on the impact we made. We have worked hard to close the academic gaps, to create a safe learning environment where scholars can thrive and we have worked hard to apply the knowledge learned to the classroom. We did all of this while focusing on our scholars’ social emotional well-being. We introduced a reading initiative to increase scholars’ vocabulary and comprehension. We revitalized a STEM program to help our scholars become critical thinkers and innovators. The GVP staff and I could not have done any of this without you. I am grateful to have you as our partners on this journey. I sincerely hope your holiday season is filled with joy and happiness.
Looking Forward to the New Year! When you get a moment please review our new attendance and grading (homework) policy. Research shows, scholars with high levels of attendance in class are high achievers. We encourage our scholars to be in attendance and engaged in the classroom daily. We also understand we are in the mist of a pandemic and every scholar’s situation is not the same. We have added measures for each scholar to be successful. Please contact us, we are here to help.
Shout Out! A big shout out to our teachers for keeping our scholars engaged. A huge shout out to the parents that made sure your scholar was ready to learn each day. Thanks for your pics. You really Rock! A big shout out also goes to Nikki Watts & Charmaine Johnson in the Professional Development. We wrapped up our week with professional development. Each topic was chosen with our scholars in mind. Our training centered on scholar engagement and small group instruction.
Scholars First,
Dr. Sue Starr
Winter Break
Updated Attendance Policy
Drive-Thru Christmas
To mitigate any COVID risks, we ask that scholars and staff remain in their vehicle and have a mask on. A GVP faculty member will come to your car to provide further assistance.
Virtual Engagement
Staff Professional Development
In Person Return Update
Virtual Learning Norms
- Be aware of your scholar's environment and work on providing the least distracting environment possible. (Sibling disruptions, talking, TVs and other electronics running in the background, etc.)
- Scholars may benefit from using earbuds or headphones during class.
- Virtual class is from 8am to 3pm each day. Please ensure your scholar working during the entire duration.
- If, as a parent, you are following along with your scholar and have a question, teachers are available to assist you from 1:00 to 3:00 during teacher on call hours.
- Do your best to provide a routine for your scholar. Having a set bedtime, a wake up time and breakfast are vital for your scholar's success.
We are incredibly grateful for all the support you have shown with your scholar the last few weeks. Virtual learning is impossible without you! Thank you!
Technology Troubleshooting Guide
Weekly Meal Distribution
Meal distribution will take place every Monday from 8am to 1pm in our parking lot. Scholars will receive 5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and milk. If you are in need of meals for your scholar, please come to the school during this time. Remain in your vehicle and a member of Side Street will deliver the meals to your car. If you are unable to make it during this window, please contact the main office and we will work to make arrangements for you.
STEM Update
As we take on the new year, we will continue to learn how to program. Programming on the computer is a segue to the new chapter in our STEM class. We want to engage scholars with hands-on activities to keep them interested. Scholars need learning that keeps their minds wondering and with hands-on activities we believe that we can achieve the level of enthusiasm and engagement that we are looking for.
Having STEM gives our scholars the ability to learn about different professions that they might not be exposed to. As the school year continues, we will indulge in topics and terminology that will increase their mindset to change the world.
Mark Your Calendars
Drive-Thru Christmas - December 21 (8am to 2pm)
Drive-Thru Christmas - December 22 (10am to 4pm)
Winter Break - December 21 through January 4, 2021
Virtual Learning Day - January 13, 2021
MLK Day (No School) - January 18, 2021
In Person Learning Resumes - January 19, 2021 (Tentatively)
Have Questions? Contact Us Today!
George and Veronica Phalen Leadership Academy is an A-rated, tuition free charter school serving grades K-8. Our scholars experience hands-on learning with high-quality teachers in small class sizes. We work to help our scholars master key academic skills, and demonstrate strong character, as exhibited by: honesty, service to others, a superior work ethic, and a strong vision for and belief in their futures.
Email: sstarr@phalenacademies.org
Website: gvp.phalenacademies.org
Location: 2323 North Illinois Street, Indianapolis, IN 46208, USA
Phone: 317.333.6980
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GVPhalen
Twitter: @GVPhalen
Return to E-Learning
Blackboard Information
Additional information on how to navigate the Blackboard platform can be found in the document below.
School-wide Academic Goals
- By the end of the 2020-2021 school year, scholars will achieve an IREAD 3 pass rate of 85%.
- By the end of the 2020-2021 school year, ILEARN ELA scores will increase 3-5%.
- By the end of the 2020-2021 school year, scholars will hit or be above the 55th percentile of growth in Math from BOY to EOY on NWEA.
Infinite Campus Parent Portal Access
As we partner together for our scholars success, we want to ensure you have real-time access to your scholar's academic journey at GVP. With your scholar's report card, you should have received a personalized link for your scholar(s).
Here is a short Getting Started video to check out:
https://kb.infinitecampus.com/help/getting-started-with-campus-parent-and-campus-student-video
Infinite Campus is a network-wide student information system designed to manage attendance, grades, schedules, assessments, and other information about our scholars.
Parents and Learning Coaches have access to Campus Portal. It is a confidential and secure website that allows you to log in and view your scholars' progress. There is also an app available for both iOS and Android devices on our website.
Logging into the Campus Portal will allow you to view the following
real-time information about your child: demographics, attendance, grades, and report cards.
If you have additional questions regarding Infinite Campus - Campus Portal, please email operations@phalenacademies.org.