the Sword and Shield
GCA Crusader News • Friday, March 13, 2020
Here's What You Need to Know
This is an odd newsletter. There are no event announcements or recaps of what has been happening at school. I simply want to keep you informed about how GCA will make decisions in the coming days. In order to be as simple and clear as possible, each discussion is handled separately below.
I appreciate your patience and understanding during these difficult times. I am also grateful for the way many of you are lifting up our nation, local area, and school in your prayers. We have all been reminded about priorities and the necessity of our reliance upon the Lord. I'm grateful that He is in control and we can trust His strength. I hope you will all join me in praying for healing, wisdom, and deliverance.
S. Jeff Postlewaite, Head of School
GCA's Plans
We plan to be open on Monday, March 16.
Many of the local public schools are using this day as a teacher work day so that they can prepare in case of extended school closings. Our teachers have been preparing as well just in case it becomes necessary, but we will be able to remain open on Monday.
One change that we are making beginning Monday is that all elementary students will go directly to their classrooms at 7:55 each morning rather than remaining together in the school cafeteria. As encouraged by the CDC. this will help to prevent such a large group of students being in close quarters. We will also be limiting the number of students who attend chapels, assemblies, and recess at the same time.
What if...
If an extended school closing occurs, we have a plan to allow our k5-12th grade students to continue their academic program. We have no specific plans to cancel in-person school at this time, but I do want you to know that if we do...
- You will be informed via RenWeb Alert text message, phone call, and email.
- Elementary teachers will send home packets of workbooks and worksheets as well as uploading specific instructions on the RenWeb lesson plans. We will give you instructions on how to get these packets if the decision is made outside of normal school hours.
- Middle School and High School teachers will be uploading detailed instruction plans onto RenWeb and using web-based communication and data-collection methods to give instruction and receive feedback from students. For many classes, students will need web access to turn in assignments and receive feedback from teachers.
- Teachers will be available during normal school hours to answer emails, calls, and even video chat with students if necessary. We do not want your students to fall behind and will do our best to assist in your child's education.
All of the details are not in place, but I hope this gives you an idea of what to expect should those steps be necessary.
Other On-Campus Events
For now, we are continuing to plan and prepare for all upcoming events. You will be informed if any scheduled practices, events, or meetings are altered.
Athletics
We are taking precautions to prevent the spread of any infections at all events and practices. These include avoiding personal contact such as handshakes and high fives, encouraging proper spacing, and requiring that all participants provide their own water.
SACS Competition
The SACS Competition Committee has been communicating quite a bit over the last few days. While we have not made any specific plans or decisions regarding the upcoming competition, we would like you to know that we will be communicating an official decision to all of the schools by the end of the day Monday, March 16. This decision will then be distributed to competitors, sponsors, and parents by their respective schools.
Spelling Bee, Grandparents Night, SACS Night, Standardized Testing, etc.
We are continuing to prepare as normal for these events. You will be informed if anything changes.
Gateway Christian Academy
Email: pwerner@gatewaycrusaders.com
Website: gatewaycrusaders.com
Location: 5473 Virginia Beach Boulevard, Virginia Beach, VA, USA
Phone: (757) 499-6551
Facebook: facebook.com/gatewaycrusaders