GVP Family News
December 11, 2020
A Note From The Principal
Happy Holidays Parents & Scholars,
This Week in Review This week in our PLCs (Professional Learning Communities) we disused our strengths, our weaknesses and most importantly we discussed what we can do to support each scholar. We have seen a number of gains academically, but we are missing some scholars in the process. It is simply not enough to move the ones that are present forward. That is a simple expectation. We are a team… a community of learners and we want everyone to succeed. It would be easy to say, “Well they are not here … let’s move forward”. That is not what a family does. If there are extenuating circumstances that are keeping you from attending class, please reach out to us. There are other ways of providing you with an equal access to education. We want you to be successful and we understand everyone does not have the same circumstances.
What You Can Do to Help! Please reach out to your friends and let them know we miss them in class. Parents, please help us with the return of homework. Ask your scholar if he/she has submitted their assignments. We are assessing their knowledge and I know as a parent you want to know if your scholar is excelling academically. We can best answer that question if we had some evidence of their work. In addition, stay engaged! Scholars, please make sure you are participating in class. Each of these measures are part of our new attendance and grading policy. We are going to introduce it to you over the next few weeks.
Christmas Gift for PLA Scholars! Thanks to Mr. Earl Martin Phalen, our CEO each scholar and staff member will receive a PLA Sweatshirt. We will be distributing them on December 21 & 22nd. Please see our announcement below. I miss seeing your faces and look forward to seeing a glimpse of you at this time.
Let’s Talk About Enrollment! The best ambassador is you. We are currently enrolling scholars. Many of you have seen our signs and have looked on our websites. We encourage you to tell your friends, your neighbors and relatives about the wonderful things happening at GVP. Most of you know our Student Enrollment Coordinator, Kim Graham. Please give potential families and scholars her email address kbgrahm@phalenacademies.org and number 317-960-5356. Thank you for all you do!
Scholars First,
Dr. Sue Starr
In Person Return Update
Math Shout Out
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!
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
This week in STEM, we continued working with coding programs and understanding algorithms. We will continue working with interactive websites.
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
Christmas Gift Handout - December 21 and 22
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.