GLA West Connections
Cultivating Genius: Our Gifts, Our Glory!
Welcome Back GLA West Families!
'Virtual Global' Here We Come!
GLA West Parents and Families-
We are thrilled to send this communication, welcoming you and your scholars to the 2020-2021 school year! Due to our 100% virtual learning plan, there is no doubt that this year will be like none other we’ve ever experienced before. We are confident however, that together we can have a great year of academic learning and social-emotional wellness.
This week's communicator contains important information to better help you prepare for our first student day on Tuesday, September 8th and the initial weeks that follow.
This week during Parent Orientations, we provided you with an overview of "A Day in the Life of a Virtual Global Scholar." In the coming weeks you will hear more about our instructional program. But know that some of our top priorities at the start of this school year include:
building relationships and ensuring a climate of love, warmth and safety
teaching the schedule and daily routines
introducing scholars to the virtual environment platforms and materials we will need to be successful learning from home and
establishing virtual Global Greatness expectations about how responsibility, respect and safety will allow us to learn and grow together this year
Lastly, as an add-on to our traditional Parent/Scholar handbook, we have completed a Virtual Handbook to give you an overview of what you can expect from "Virtual Global." It includes important information such as:
- attendance policy
- grading policy
- uniform and scholar workspace expectations
- technology help
- virtual platforms and curriculum materials
- photorelease form
- and more!
It is our expectation that all families would set aside time to read through the virtual handbook with your scholar and acknowledge that you have received it by completing the electronic signature on the last page. Please click below to download the virtual handbook and submit your signature by Friday, September 11th.
The GLA West staff looks forward to greeting your child(ren) on Tuesday, September 8th at 8:30am.
Warmest Regards,
Ms. Shoshana Tyler, Principal
Dr. Naomi Johnson-Booker, CEO
Virtual Handbook
What time does the day start and end?
The first day of school will run from 8:30am - 1:00pm. Please encourage your scholar to be logged on by 8:25 am.
What can I expect for the start of the day?
Each small learning community will begin the day with an academy-wide Harambee from 8:30-9:00 am. Harambee is a Swahili turn that means to pull together and it is how intentionally begin the day with unity, community and positivity. At the conclusion of Harambee, scholars will be directed to join their individual teachers/classes on Google Meet for the duration of the day.
What should my scholar wear?
As discussed in Orientation, all scholars should be dressed for success in any GLA shirt (gym uniform, button down, navy shirt provided by the school, dashiki).
First Day Harambee Log-In Information
Rising Stars Scholars (K-2)
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84677815734
Meeting ID: 846 7781 5734
Legendary Leaders Scholars (3-5)
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83211739672
Meeting ID: 832 1173 9672
Collegiate Scholars (6-8)
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88148304756
Meeting ID: 881 4830 4756
First Day of School Quick Links!
Rising Stars (Grades K-2)
Legendary Leaders (Grades 3-5)
Collegiate (Grades 6-8)
All families are encouraged to report to the school this Friday for our Drive-By Supply Pickups (10-2pm). We will be distributing t-shirts for scholars and other supplies as designated per grade.
Thank You For Attending Parent Orientations this week. Tonight we will host Rising Stars Academy (Grades 1 & 2).
Missed Orientation? Please visit the GLA West Parent Hub to access the presentation for your child's grade.
Kindergarten Welcome Parade This Thursday!
Important: Virtual Handbook
Scholar Schedules
Wondering What All These Terms Mean? Here's a quick cheat sheet!
TIPS FOR SCHOLAR WORKSPACES
“Desk” - Walmart $9
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Folding-Tray-Table-Espresso/48173491
“Supplies cart” - Walmart $16
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Mainstays-4-Tier-Wire-Cart-White/370062842
“LED Lamp” - $7 (This really was an extra buy, so if you want you can cut this from the cost)
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Mainstays-LED-Desk-Lamp-Flexible-Metal-Gooseneck-Mint/294275168
“Pencil container” - dollar tree $1
*** Walmart is not a GA schools sponsor. We are simply proving low-cost ideas.***
Our Next Parent Townhall Meeting will take place on Tuesday, September 8th at 7pm.
Food Service Survey
Please complete the survey below if you are interested in receiving meals from GLA.
Family Life Coordinator Corner
Childcare for school-age children
Childcare is available for school-age children through programs across the city. Philadelphia’s Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) can help you find a childcare program and apply for a subsidy.
Visit philadelphiaelrc18.org or call 1-888-461-KIDS (1-889-461-5437)
Access Centers
If you work outside of your home and can’t afford or access childcare for your child (grades K-6), you may be eligible to register with an Access Center. The City and community partners will open Access Centers to provide supervised, connected spaces where children entering K-6th grade can participate in digital learning provided by their school.
Access centers are not drop-in centers. Families must begin registration by filling out the registration interest form or calling the registration line (215-709-5366) and must receive confirmation of their eligibility and registration in order to bring their child to an Access Center.
Access Centers will begin serving students on Tuesday, September 8.
For more information, including a map of sites, visit phila.gov/AccessCenters.
Rising Stars Academy Supply List (Gr. K-2)
Legendary Leaders Academy Supply List (Gr. 3-5)
Collegiate Academy Supply List (Gr. 6-8)
2020-2021 Yearly Calendar
We are hosting a series of Townhall meetings every Tuesday evening in the months of August and September. You will have an opportunity to meet with the Global Academies' CEO/Principals to get your questions answered. We had almost 70 participants attend last Tuesday. We hope you will join us!