GLA SOUTHWEST "PARENT WEEKLY"
"Tell Them We Are Rising"
Dear GLASW Parents/Families,
Our weekly newsletter is designed to serve as one of our communication platforms. It is very important that you take the time to read the weekly newsletter in detail each week in order to ensure you are remaining abreast of all information concerning your scholar and they're successful virtual learning journey. I am very appreciative of the energy and spirit of everyone during this unprecedented time. While the circumstances that prevent us from being in the same physical space are concerning, we like to think that this will somehow benefit us long term as we will be better prepared to design engaging learning experiences for our scholars in a variety of alternative ways.
- We would like to thank all families and scholars who participated in our virtual parent orientation this week. The orientation was very successful, your questions were excellent, your enthusiasm was appreciated, and seeing the smiles of the scholars made our day!
As we embark on our first week of 'Virtual Global' we are not only excited, but we are looking forward to growing as a school community during this time. As we constantly reflect on our overall practices we are appreciative of your positive feedback as well as your questions that push our practices in a more effective direction. Many of you provide us with so many positive ideas and for that we say thank you. As this is week one of 'Virtual Global' we expect this to be a week of trial and error and we are expecting some bumps to occur, but with your support and positivity we know 'Virtual Global' will be a huge success for our scholars and staff.
One area we are constantly working on is our communication with our families. For the duration of the school closure--however long that may be--we will make every effort to stay connected as a school community virtually, therefore we are asking each of you to complete the below survey, which asks you to update your personal information. This will allow us to make sure all parents have ample access to all forms of school communication including robocalls, email, our GLA website and our social media platforms. Thank you in advance for your continuous support and cooperation as we walk hand in hand to do what is best for our scholars.
EDUCATIONALLY YOURS,
PRINCIPAL EVANS
IMPORTANT CLASS DOJO INFORMATION NEEDED
Collegiate Academy Parents and Families!
We will be utilizing ClassDojo in order to streamline communication as much as possible and send you all the important information you need. Please be on the lookout for emails and texts from your scholars teachers asking you to join their classroom and accept their invitations. For those already enrolled in your scholar's dojo class, ensure that you are checking the app regularly to keep up to speed with any new updates. If you have not received an invitation, please fill out the following form and a new invitation will be sent as quickly as possible. We're very much looking forward to connecting!
TECH TIPS AND REMINDERS...
As we launch our Virtual Learning on Google Classroom this week, technology is coming front and center. However, it's important for all of us to remember that the technology isn't the point. The point is learning, building relationships, and growing as people and as a community.
That said, in this section we'll include a couple tips each week to make sure our technology is serving our larger purpose.
1) Have some patience. A lot of this technology is new, and everyone is using it in a new way, in a stressful time. While we are hoping to make technology a valuable ally, it is inevitable that there will be hiccups. If something doesn't seem to be working right, reach out to us (see tip #3!) and we'll be happy to help!
2) Google Classroom: This is our hub for all things virtual learning at GLA. Make sure your scholar can log in and access their assignments for their general classes and cultural arts. Questions about logging in? Reach out to your scholar's teacher (or see tip #3)!
3) Use our new email help line: parenttechhelp@ga-schools.org. This email is open to all families who need some tech assistance, or just have a question.
From the Tech Dept., we hope you are staying safe and healthy.
Staff help us Kick-Off The first Day of 'Virtual Global' in an entertaining manner... We love the "Don't Rush" Challenge
ATTENDANCE WILL BE TAKEN DAILY...
Beginning Monday, April 20, 2020, attendance will be taken by homeroom teachers during the three days of scheduled Harambee and during any office hour sessions that scholars participate in as a method to document attendance.
Follow this section for common questions and answers about 'VIRTUAL GLOBAL' and questions specific to GLASW next steps:
1. How long will school be closed?
The Department of Education in collaboration with the State Health Department & Governor's Office have announced that all PA schools will be closed for the remainder of the school year.
2. Can my child use a cell phone or other home device to do their Remote Learning?
For a successful experience with 'Virtual Global' we are not recommending that a cell phone be your child's only accessible device. The device used needs to have internet access, the ability to compose writing assignments (typing or voice recognition) and the ability to access their Google classrooms.
3. We are confused about the assignment or having technology issues accessing the lessons/assignments - what do we do?
Please email the teacher first and give them time to respond. For tech issues, send email to: ParentTechHelp@ga-schools.org and someone will connect with you as soon as possible.
4. Can I still sign-up for a Chromebook for my scholar?
We have completed our Chromebook distribution to the 300 families that completed the needs based survey. We currently have a waiting list for technology and will not be taking any more requests at this time.
5. Will our scholars still be traveling on global excursions and if not do we receive a refund?
We have currently cancelled the 8th grade excursion and postponed the 5, 6 and 7th grade excursions due to the social distancing expectations of our country. All 8th grade scholars are being prioritized for refunds and 5, 6, and 7th grade scholars will be contacted on an individual basis to discuss next steps within the next 3-weeks.
6. If my child has completed their packet how do we submit it to the teacher?
We are asking you at this time to store completed packets in a safe area and when we have further information on a safe way to submit the completed assignments we will inform you.
7. Will there be any closing exercise activities for 8th grade scholars?
We are currently discussing what closing exercises will look like for our 8th grade Rites of Passage. We will not have a face to face ceremony this year but we are working to ensure our 8th grade scholars are celebrated for this milestone.
If at any time you or your family needs assistance, please feel free to reach out using the following contact information: Tharris@ga-schools.org
The city will continue to provide support for food and community resources but we will also post resources in this newsletter as well.
Helpful Articles...
For Young Scholars: Children take their cues for how to feel and how to act from their parents and caregivers. The following link gives simple ideas for staying calm and resilient.
How you and your children can de-stress during corona virus
For Parents: When parents are OK, children are OK. Parents have many worries and concerns right now. The link below can help with ideas about how to care for yourself during this challenging time.
How to talk to kids about coronavirus
https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/how-to-talk-to-your-kids-about-coronavirusWhat to do if you are anxious about COVID-19
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/coronavirus-anxiety-what-to-do_l_5e55aaaac5b649ec432f152d
Talking to children about Coronavirus
Managing Anxiety and Stress
DO NOT HESITATE TO REACH OUT AND CONTACT MS. FULLER...
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 personally we will definitely direct you to a resource that can help so please feel free to contact me if needed or just to let me known how you and your child/ren are doing during this time of home learning. I can be reached @ 215-681-1504.