GLA West Connections
Monday, March 30th
Important Updates for Families
Dear Global Academies Parents/Families,
It is our hope that this note finds you healthy and well. Although this continues to be an uncertain time, it is the commitment of Global Academies to remain in constant contact with each of our families as we navigate this unchartered territory. We would like to take this opportunity to first thank each of you for the following:
- Your ongoing commitment
- The support you have shown over the past two weeks and the effort you are putting forth regarding your child’s teaching and learning experience.
- Following us on social media, submitting photos, and uploading documents highlighting the ongoing learning taking place in your homes (including Virtual School Spirit Week)
In accordance with the recent guidance issued, Global Academies will remain CLOSED for the foreseeable future. As decisions are made regarding a projected date of return that ensures the safety of our school community, we will keep you notified.
Thus far scholars have received distance learning assignments and access to school teachers/ staff daily. The week of April 6th, 2020 – April 10th, 2020 is scheduled for Spring Break. Please use this time to relax. We know you have been hard at work balancing the demands of home and school.
On March 20, 2020, a parent survey was distributed to families. Based upon that information we are confident to effectively implement ‘Virtual Global’, an online flexible-distance learning model. The “kick off” for this program will begin April 13, 2020.
This week you can expect the following:
- A phone call from your child’s teacher regarding technology needs
- The launch of our YouTube page (GLA at Home Learning YOUTUBE Channel) where you will have access to weekly videos by grade level
- Consistent updates from teachers via Remind, Blooms
- Teacher office hours daily from 2-4 PM for instructional questions or concerns
Our ‘Virtual Global’ model will include Google Classroom, where scholars and staff will meet for discussion and collaboration in real-time and where scholars will have access to their weekly assignments. We will be hosting a Virtual Parent Orientation on Monday, April 13th, 2020 and encourage all families to participate so that you get a more comprehensive understanding of our virtual learning program.
We are asking parents to ensure your child has access to the following by April 13, 2020:
- Reliable internet access
- Comcast Essentials is one resource available (flyer is attached)
- A device to view and participate in online-learning opportunities
- Basic school supplies (paper, pencils, pens, etc.)
As we have stated in previous communications, Global Academies remains committed to its core educational values. No matter our mode of operation, we will strive to connect and engage our scholars in ways that encourage intellectual inquiry, character development, well-being, and balance. We are preparing “Future Leaders of The World”. Although this new mode of learning will take some adjustments, we are confident that our children will demonstrate their resiliency and undoubtedly emerge with new skills and understandings that will help them in this global era.
Sincerely,
Dr. Naomi Johnson-Booker, Executive Director/CEO
Ms. Shoshana Tyler, Principal
Mr. Bar-rae Choice, Assistant Principal
When They See Us, They Will See Greatness!
Looking Ahead
When will school re-open?
Are we still getting spring break?
What happens after Spring Break?
Our ‘Virtual Global’ model will use Google Classroom and consist of a combination of synchronous learning, where scholars and staff will meet together for discussion and collaboration in real-time, and asynchronous learning, which happens online, but is flexible and scholar-directed. You can expect to see video lessons, online discussions and other digital-based projects/assignments.
Virtual Learning Sounds Complicated. Will there be training?
How can I prepare for virtual learning?
In order to be prepared for this shift we are asking parents to ensure your child has access to the following by April 13, 2020:
- Reliable internet access
- If you are in need of reliable internet access, one resource being provided with two free months and then ongoing service for a nominal cost is Comcast Essentials. The flyer is attached.
- A device to view and participate in online-learning opportunities
- Basic school supplies (paper, pencils, pens, etc.)
Teachers are reaching out to families today to gather information from you regarding technology. If you have not heard from your child's teacher, please reach out.
PA Schools Closed Indefinitely Due to Coronavirus
Coronavirus (Covid-19) Important Update
Dear Global Families:
The Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH) has confirmed with Global Academies that two employees at Global Leadership Academy West campus tested positive for COVID-19 (coronavirus). Based on its investigation, PDPH does not believe any scholars or staff were at risk of exposure from these employees. PDPH has notified all staff members who may have been in close contact with these individuals and provided direct monitoring and guidance.
We are sharing this information with the full Global Academy communities as it is the second positive test of any employee of which we are aware. As the availability of tests increase, we anticipate the number of positive tests will increase. PDPH officials will notify any impacted community members directly.
Global Academies is in regular contact with the PDPH for the most accurate and up-to-date information. We will continue to follow guidance provided by the PDPH regarding preventive measures, reporting protocols and appropriate communication with the community.
There is no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. It is therefore important to take everyday preventive steps that are recommended to slow the spread of respiratory illnesses like colds, flu and COVID-19:
- Practice social distancing. Try to stay at least six feet away from people and avoid direct physical contact.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water are not available.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using standard cleaning practices.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, your sleeve or your elbow.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough or difficulty breathing. If you are feeling ill, stay home and call your doctor’s office. They will advise you based on the severity of your symptoms. Only go to the emergency room if your symptoms are severe. If you have additional questions, contact PDPH at 215-685-6741 or 215-686-4514 after business hours and speak to the person at the Division of Disease Control.
Our thoughts are with our employees who have fallen ill from COVID-19. However, we do know that they are doing much better at this time and were not hospitalized. The health and safety of our Global families and staff is important to us all. Please take care of yourselves and stay healthy.
Sincerely,
Dr. Naomi Johnson Booker
CEO/Executive Director
Global Academies
TOMORROW!
help us celebrate the march jewel of the month - virtuosity!
"I show virtue when....."
have you checked out our at-home learning videos?
Have you checked out our Home Learning Videos? All of our GLA at-home learning videos are posted in our GLA At-Home Learning Youtube channel! Subscribe to get notified whenever there's a new video, and check out the Playlist for your scholar's Academy.
check out some of our home-learning videos below!
FREE MEALS IN PHILADELPHIA FOR FAMILIES!
click the link below!
thank you to everyone who participated in virtual spirit week! it was awesome!
Resources for Teaching Your Scholar About Coronavirus
yearly calendar
suggested daily schedule for scholars
Statewide PSSA Testing is Cancelled For the Year
Follow Us On Our School-wide Instagram page. Follow Us!
Global Leadership Academy Charter School - WEST
Email: styler@glacharter.org
Website: www.glacharter.org
Location: 4601 West Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, USA
Phone: (215) 295-5700
Facebook: facebook.com/glacharter