GLA Southwest PARENT WEEKLY
'Virtual Global' Highlights May 27th Edition
Greetings Families!
As always, we hope that this message finds you well and in good spirits!
We are 11 school days away from the end of the school year. As the year winds down, look out for information about our end-of-year culminating activities.
Lastly, we implore you to complete the district-wide parent survey and personal items survey. Your feedback is critical. Thank you for your ongoing support!
This week, there is ONE item that requires your immediate attention:
1) School District Parent Surveys: Thus far, only 49% of our parents have taken the survey. Our goal is for at least 70% completion. As you know, each year we are required to have our parents complete the School District of Philadelphia Parent Survey. Your completion of the survey impacts GLASW's overall score on the annual ACE report, so we need your help. Please take a few minutes to use the link below and complete the survey for each of your scholars at GLASW ASAP.
As always, we thank you for your unwavering support and look forward to a month of awesome virtual teaching and learning.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Evans, CEO/Principal
Mr. Choice, Assistant Principal
COMING SOON: AS WE MAKE PLANS AND PREPARATIONS, FOR THE FALL, WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! WE ARE CURRENTLY LOOKING FOR PARENTS WILLING TO PARTICIPATE IN A FOCUS GROUP TO SHARE YOUR IDEAS/THOUGHTS WITH US ABOUT VIRTUAL LEARNING AND IDEAS FOR NEXT STEPS FOR THE 2020-2021 SCHOOL YEAR.
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED PLEASE EMAIL PRINCIPAL EVANS @ TEVANS@GA-SCHOOLS.ORG
FINAL I-READY TESTING IS TAKING PLACE THIS WEEK FOR SCHOLARS! PARENTS, PLEASE REMEMBER THAT I-READY TESTING IS A CHANCE FOR YOUR SCHOLAR TO SHOW WHAT HE/SHE KNOWS. WE ENCOURAGE FAMILIES TO MIMIC TRUE TESTING CONDITIONS AND NOT OFFER SCHOLARS ASSISTANCE WITH THE EXAM. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
All 8th grade families should have received an important end-of-year update via email. Please note that only 8th grade scholars who have met the 75% participation criteria for 'Virtual Global' will have the opportunity to participate in all closing exercises and celebrations. The parents of eligible scholars will be contacted this week.
Some updates and announcements from the Tech Dept. at GLA:
1) Google Teach From Home - https://teachfromhome.google/intl/en/
Google has set up a Teach From Home hub, with resources, articles, and walkthroughs on how to use Google apps and manage learning at home for Families. Click the link above, and scroll down to find the Families section.
2) At-Home learning Survey - https://forms.gle/tQXvyPnp3utszvCc8
The Tech Dept. at GLA has been working hard to support your scholars' learning at home. However, we know we could do better. Please reply to the survey above (only 6 questions!) to provide some feedback about how we can better support you and your child during this virtual learning experience.
3) ParentTechHelp@Ga-Schools.org
As always, we're here to help. Please reach out to us at any time via the ParentTechHelp@Ga-Schools.org email for any virtual learning help or questions.
Additionally, if you have a GLA iPad and are still missing a necessary app, please send us a note so we can plan a time to be available at a school site to update the iPad.
If you are a parent or scholar at GLA and would like to speak to your social worker for support, please contact Dr. Harris @ tharris@ga-schools.org
Be Aware of the Signs of Depression:
With sadness and irritability understandably widespread during this crisis, the signs can be even easier for family members to overlook, even in children.
Symptoms of depression include:
- Unusual sadness or irritability, persisting even when circumstances change
- Loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed; reduced feelings of anticipation
- Changes in weight
- Shifts in sleep patterns
- Sluggishness
- Harsh self-assessment (“I’m ugly. I’m no good. I’ll never make friends.”)
- Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness
- Thoughts of or attempts at suicide
If several of these symptoms are present for at least two weeks, they can suggest depression. “If you see them, take note,” advises Dr. Reinecke. “If they last, take action.”
The watchwords, says Rachel Busman, PsyD, a clinical psychologist at the Child Mind Institute are persistence and severity. “What’s more of a concern is when it persists. You want to be on the lookout for changes in sleep, mood, appetite, and general engagement.”
***Help kids feel comfortable talking about feelings!!!!
Make time to sit down and explore how they’re doing. Get in the habit of checking in with your children, and they know they’ll be listened to without judgment, they’re more likely to let you know what’s going on.
If a child is experiencing feelings of sadness or depression, take some time to talk about why. Encouraging your child to be specific can give both of you more insight into what’s happening, and how you can help. For example: Is your child struggling with feeling boredom or from the loss of their regular activities? From disappointment over cancelled events? From feeling isolated from friends? From worries about the future, or fears that they or someone they love might get sick, or even die? Etc.
“Very often, depressed children and teens, like adults, have negative thoughts about themselves, their lives, their relationships and their future,” notes Dr. Reinecke. “They feel hopeless, helpless, and discouraged. Listen for these thoughts. Help them to clarify what’s on their mind and how they’re feeling.”
Lastly, reassure your children that you’re there for them and how much you love them!!!!
*NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE: 1-800-273-TALK. www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Please be reminded that I am available for each of you during this time of uncertainty. If for whatever reason you need Global in any way, please do not hesitate to reach out. If we cannot help you personally, we will definitely direct you to a resource that can help. So, please feel free to contact me if needed. Also, please reach out to let me know how you and your child/ren are doing during this time of home learning. I can be reached @ 215-681-1504.
With Warm Regards,
Ms. Fuller