GLA West Connections
Cultivating Genius: Our Gifts, Our Glory!
Wednesday, September 23rd
From the Desk of the Principal
I am sending you such warmth this week. Ibram X. Kendi said, "to be Black in America is to walk in the valley of the shadow of pain and death. The fact that Black people still manage to carry on and create and find joy and love in the valley is nothing short of a miracle."
In spite of the trauma and tragedy that this year has highlighted, we are continuing to persevere, to problem solve, and to find joy in the midst of the storm. As a school community, we are joining hands to build up a generation of future leaders who will make their mark on the world in meaningful ways. Lets be encouraged by that.
Three weeks in, I am proud of the work we are doing and most excited by our school and home partnership. Parents, you have been phenomenal! Thank you for your ongoing support of your child's education. Together, we are taking virtual learning to new heights.
As a way to say thank you, we have added a monthly parent spotlight to our newsletters to create space to recognize some of our amazing parent partners. Each month, we will give parents a platform to share their struggles and successes. We hope you enjoy the first feature!
Have a wonderful remainder of the week and remember that you matter!
With gratitude,
Principal Tyler and Dr. Booker
We are excited to kick off our monthly parent spotlight with Ms. Nicqua Pointer, proud parent of three scholars at GLA. We salute you, Ms. Pointer, for being an awesome parent partner!
Ms. Niqua Pointer
What are your scholars' names and grades/teachers?
- Paris Pointer 5th grade / Ms. Hatcher
- Jaxson Pointer 3rd grade / Mr. Thomson
- Jadon Pointer 6th grade / Ms. Mackey
How has your experience been managing virtual learning?
My experience in managing virtual leaning started off rough last March but with time it has gotten much better. There has been excellent planning and communication this school year. Communication is the biggest key for me! It makes virtual learning in our home easier. Getting to learn how your child’s teacher works along with speaking to them about how your child learns go hand in hand.
What has been the most challenging part of virtual learning?
The most challenging part of virtual learning for me has been keeping the other siblings engaged in their work when one of them has finished their assignments for the day. I have to keep everyone separated and give the finished scholar something else to do.
What tips or advice do you have for other parents/families?
First, and foremost, I would say be strict when it comes to virtual learning. Make it a point to speak to your children about your expectations. Advocate for your children. If you find that your scholar is asking the same questions or having difficulty with work, reach out to their teacher because they may not know how to do the work. Sometimes as parents we get stressed because we look at virtual learning as us becoming teachers instead of us being the eyes and ears behind the scene. My job is to keep my children focused on their work at home.
What have you learned about managing virtual learning as a parent?
- Communication is key! Give your feedback, ask for feedback
- Set your Alexa, google, cell phone or any other alarm 5 minutes prior to each class to remind scholars to log in on time.
- Pop in on your scholar once in a while, to make sure they are working.
- Look at scholar screens when they are on with their teacher. Let them know that their teacher’s screen should be the biggest. That is the focus! They should be focused on their teacher and not their classmates.
- Plan meals to ensure that they are finished in time for live lessons. Try to separate eating and schooling.
- My favorite saying to my children is“closed mouths don’t get fed” 😊. I used to reach out to my children's teachers every time my kids had questions or didn’t know something. I have taught them how to respectfully ask questions themselves. I also encourage them to write their questions in complete sentences and not like they are texting on a phone.
GLA is partnering with the Mann Music Center to bring the Motion & Music Academy Afterschool Program!
4th - 8th Grade Scholars Only
Take Advantage of our Family Meals Program!
8th Grade Announcement
The High School process has started. We are kindly asking all 8th grade parents to complete the Google form below by next Wednesday, September 30th.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf4aK6m6wr_ChP02fOuEypGNtR7KIFzdrnCqnNdwpTkpl8xuQ/viewform
Wednesday Tech Hours at GLA West will resume next Wednesday from 1:00 -7:00pm.
Parent Townhall Meetings will not take place next week due to Back to School Night but will resume the following Tuesday, October 6th
We want to recognize the following parents for your attendance at this Tuesday's Townhall meeting!
Monica Jones - Parent of London Davis (7th)
Marsha Brown - Parent of Madison Brown-Kennel (4th)
Jacquie Robinson - Parent of Juliana Robinson (6th)
Nicole Mayrant - Parent of Ronald Mayrant-Griffin (8th)
Antoinette Grimes - Parent of Tiara Sullivan (1st)
Tiffany Jones - Parent of Mikell Silver (3rd)
LaTonia Bassett - Parent of Aniya (1st) and Alyvia (4th) West
Kia Brown - Parent of Nadia Brown (4th) and Priya Brown (1st)
Tynesha Jones - Parent of Caiden Woods (1st)
Shanna Pryor - Parent of Cameron Reid (8th)
Ansheai Jones - Parent of August Jones (2nd)
Lisa Coker - Parent of Leah Coker-Brown (4th)
Shira Stallworth - Parent of Autumn Stallworth (4th)
LaJeana Andrews - Parent of Jeleah Andrews (7th)
Cindy Daniels - Parent of Alasia Daniels (4th)
Chanel Martin - Parent of Madison Brown (K)
Helana Kent - Parent of Kaylin Kent (8th)
Sharae Woods - Parent of Kyree Wise (7th)
Leslie DeReef - Parent of Nylla DeReef (5th)
Stacey Ann Richards - Parent of Jevon Richards
Samaria Brandon - Parent of Jonas-Camren Norman (1st)
Toni Douglas - Parent of Prince-Masiah Douglas (3rd) and Prince-Zion Douglas (2nd)
Bethany Smith - Prent of Jaelynn Smith (7th)
Erika Parker Curtis (3rd) and Mckenzie (2nd)
Zenobia Story - Parent of Zaiden Story
Parent of Deja McCarter (4th) and Donica McCarter (7th)
Deborah Duncan - Parent of Amyah Sapp (4th)
Angela Cheeseboro - Parent of Gabriel Stanton (7th)
Wing Family- Parents of Kennedi Wing (5th)
Shannon Goodwyn - Parent of Cia Sejour (4th)
Mrs. Walker - Parent of Kimathi Walker (5th) and Jahzara Walker (3rd)
Cyneathia Nickerson - Parent of Ayden Hill Smith
Tiffinie Washington - Parent of Sahara Washington (7th)
Kyli Choice - Parent of Ruqyyah Parks (1st)
Parent of Aziyah Burrell (4th)
Parent of Abbi Washington (1st)
Parent of Demi Caul (6th)
Parent of Imani Bruce (3rd)
Parent of Alyssa Clayton (3rd)
Back to School Night is Next Week!
GLA West Presents Mask Madness: Week of September 28th!
A Terrific Week of Testing!
Testing Next Steps
Google Calendar How-To Video
Rebel Ventures' Healthy Deliciousness Fund At Home Application
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeKcDqeVNbBNLKRJCr6Wof7X8LTsxLSxZciIYocMd109EAxmQ/viewform
Community Programming in Malcolm X Park
I'm hoping that you might be able to help me spread the word to families who would benefit or would be interested. The age range would start around age 4 but can go through teenagers, so many of your students would likely be interested. This is not a sales pitch: we are not looking for funding, just families and kids who can be part of our core group in the park (and a time/day of the week that would work best for them to participate.) If you have a parent/student organization, I'd be happy to speak with them directly if that makes the most sense.
You can read more about Hip Hop Fundamentals here: https://www.hiphopfundamentals.com/