Middle School Newsletter
August 21, 2017
A message from Principal Lowndes
Eclipse Information!
Are you ready for the historic eclipse this Monday, August 21st? No matter where you live in the state of Georgia, you will see at least a partial (90%+ coverage) to a total eclipse. This will be the first total solar eclipse in the U.S. since 1979! The next one will not occur until 2024 but that one does not pass as close to Georgia. But remember, safety FIRST! You can NOT look at it directly even when it is almost completely covered. If you take even a peek, you could damage yours eyes permanently without even knowing it until later, so take precautions. There are several ways to enjoy the eclipse. You can watch it using special eclipse glasses that meet international safety standards (ISO 12312-2). Check your local area stores such as Lowes, Best Buy, Walmart and others to pick up your glasses. You can also view the eclipse using pinhole projection. Check out NASA’s website for more about safety: https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/safety. On Monday, enjoy this awesome event because they do not happen in our area often, but stay safe!
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2018 Superintendent's Parent Advisory Council
This representative group of parents will serve as advisors to the State School Superintendent and will provide input in family and community engagement resources, as described in the federal law, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).
The nominated parent must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Be the parent of a child enrolled in a Title I school. “Parent” is defined as a grandparent, foster parent, aunt, uncle, legal guardian, or any other adult who serves as a primary caregiver of a student.
- Commit to attend the two PAC meetings per year, held throughout the length of the two-year term.
- Be willing to participate in the Georgia Family Engagement Conference on February 2-3, 2018 in Macon, GA, sponsored by the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) and partnering organizations.
- Must not have served previously on the State School Superintendent's Parent Advisory Council.
- Selection preference will be given to parents who are not employed by their nominating school district.
If you are interested in being considered for nomination and representing GCA at the Council, please email Rosie Lowndes - rlowndes@gacyber.org
2017 Superintendent's Student Advisory Council
•State School Superintendent Richard Woods is seeking middle and high school students to serve on his 2017-2018 Student Advisory Council. These students will meet with Superintendent Woods to discuss the impact of state policies in the classroom, along with other issues related to education, and will serve as the Superintendent’s ambassadors to their respective schools.
•Applicants must be enrolled in a Georgia public middle or high school for the 2017-18 school year.
•To apply:
•Send applications by September 1, 2016 at 5 p.m. to students@doe.k12.ga.us
•Selected students will be contacted via email. All students can check gadoe.org, under News & Announcements, on September 12 at 10 a.m. to see whether they have been selected.
•Middle school students will meet October 3, January 17, and April 10.
•The Student Advisory Council is an absolutely invaluable resource for the Georgia Department of Education team as we make decisions that impact students and classrooms,” Superintendent Woods said. “Nothing can replace the opportunity to hear directly from students about their experience in Georgia’s public schools and what we can improve. I’m looking forward to meeting and working with this year’s Student Advisory Council members.”
Join PTSO!! Only $5!
Becoming a GCA PTSO member is easy! Click HERE then select the Membership icon. For only $5 per school term you will receive access to special programs, have voting rights, and so much more. For GCA PTSO founding members, check your email for renewal instructions. GCA PTSO Members meet 4 times per year to provide progress reports, vote on new initiatives, and provide activity reports please join us:
GCA PTSO Meeting Dates for the 2017-2018 school year:
September 28, 2017
November 30, 2017
February 22, 2018
April 26, 2018
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Student Spotlights
Check out Bobby and his Boy Scour conservation project on the national blog, at: http://blog.k12.com/student-success/k12-powered-boy-scout-protects-local-nature-center/#.WWeWORXyu72 .
Check out Carson and how GCA works for him and his family! www.RollinWithTheRoberts.com They were cast on a TV show called Going RV! The show will be on again Aug. 15, 16 and Sept. 3rd on the GAC – Great American Country Network. Below is the link from the producer for family and friends. Link for the show:
GRV 501 Master Link: https://vimeo.com/217751552 Password: grv501
Read about our very own, William H - Albany Herald!
Gabriela N, from Ellenwood, Georgia, recently won the coveted national title of USA National Preteen 2017. Gabriela bested delegates from throughout the United States to claim the national crown, scholarship money and an extensive prize package during the national pageant which was held at the Boca Resort and Beach Club in Florida this summer.
As a national title holder, Gabriela will be traveling the country for appearances, photo shoots, charity events, and media interviews. One of her first adventures as national royalty will be a trip to Atlantic City to attend the Miss America Pageant as well as walking in a fashion show for New York Fashion Week.
As part of her prize package, she will also cruise to the Caribbean this spring, and will spend her year participating in professional photo shoots, extensive travel, speaking in schools, appearance opportunities and be featured in national ad campaigns.
Gabriela received a three-year modeling contract from MMG Model Management in New York City as part of her national title. In addition, she will also be featured in ongoing national promotions and feature articles that will be published in national magazines and on the web as USA National Miss. She will also travel extensively with expenses paid vacations and opportunities.
A 13-year-old award winning harpist, she was one of the top ten finalists in the National Black Arts Theater Festival in August 2013. She is an 8th grade honor student at GCA, and based on her academic achievement and leadership potential she was recently nominated to attend the Junior National Young Leaders Conference in Washington, DC.
Gabriela is also a model and an actress, who has done runway, print and acting in theater and film. She was recently accepted into the conservatory advanced acting class at the Company Acting Studio in Atlanta.
As a charity-driven organization, Gabriela will work with USA National Miss’ national anti-bullying platform, The Crown CARES (Creating a Respectful Environment in Schools) during her reign. She will visit classrooms to talk about bullying awareness and prevention.
Gabriela also recently developed an organization called Gabby’s Gifts which involves giving time to many charities, giving money to needy organizations and giving care packs to the homeless. She hopes to continue to develop Gabby’s Gifts and encourage preteens around the country to participate in care packs for the homeless and find the joy and value in volunteering and giving back to the community.
“We are so thrilled to be represented by a young woman who is just as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside, and who has a passion to serve her community and be a role model to other girls,” said Jackie Watson, Executive Director of USA National Miss. “The USA National Miss Scholarship Organization is honored to have Gabriela as one of our national queens and we know that she will inspire other girls to achieve their goals.”
Gabriela will crown her successor at the 2018 USA National Miss Pageant next summer in Disney World.
Make sure you have access to Infinite Campus where final grades are housed!
Classroom Guidance Sessions on the way!!
When: 1st and 3rd week of each month. 6th grade will meet Mondays, 7th grade on Wednesdays, and 8th grade on Fridays.
Where: In Mrs. Nesbit’s classroom
12:45 - 1:15 PM
GCA Board Meetings - Parents are invited to call in!
Time: 6:15 pm - 7:30 pm
Conference Line to Join Meeting: 1(888) 824-5783; Passcode: 92628260#
At the end of the meeting, if time allows, there will be an opportunity for public comments