GVP Family News
November 20, 2020
A Note From The Principal
Greetings Parents & Scholars,
This Week in Review! We spent our last day in the classroom fully engaged in the lesson. Check out our pictures below. Scholars showed up ready to learn. Our teachers did a great job preparing students for the change from on campus to their virtual classroom in Blackboard. They also reminded them of the eLearning protocols. Teachers discussed the changes in their schedules and discussed the importance of taking care of their devices to ensure they can participate in their virtual classroom. I appreciate the hard work that went into this preparation. Albert Einstein once said, “The measure of intelligence is the ability to change.”
Reach Out to Us! If you are having problems connecting to Blackboard, if you need a hotspot or if your device is not working please communicate your concern. We are available daily from 8:00-3:00 to ensure you have the necessary support to be successful. We as a community of learners need to continue the gains we have made. As I have mentioned before, COVID-19 changed our location not our commitment to learning or our programs. We will continue to raise the bar and elevate the expectations.
Research and Our Plan! Research has shown the average student has experienced educational gaps due to COVID-19 and one of the biggest challenges is how we are going to provide widespread interventions to our scholars. We have decided to narrow our focus to reading and math interventions. These areas of concentration impact other disciplines like science and social studies. You may have noticed the large blocks of reading and math on your scholar’s schedule. These academic blocks are to minimize (close the gaps) the potential loss of knowledge for our scholars in these areas. The assessments, the small groups and the tracking of multiple data points are part of the process. When our teachers communicate they need your scholar to stay online for additional supports or evaluation of knowledge, please support them. They are trying to prepare your scholar for success. We are in this together!
Big Shout Outs! A big shout out goes to Mr. Cassoday for making sure each scholar had the proper technology for their eLearning. He has also been available on campus for parents experiencing problems with their scholar’s technology. Also, a big shout out to the teacher assistances and interventionists for all of your hard work. Your assistance in the classroom and during small group pull outs does not go unnoticed. You are a great resource and your presence provides additional stability to our classrooms.
Thankful! I am thankful for our scholars. Seeing your faces every morning has brought me such joy. Parents, I am thankful for your commitment to your scholar’s learning and getting them ready to learn every day. Teachers and Leadership Team, I am thankful for your dedication to our scholars. To my Regional Director, Nicole Fama thanks for your leadership and providing direction to the region during this pandemic. To our Chief Academic Officer, Andrea Robinson thanks for your campus support and feedback as we address academic gaps. To Earl Martin Phalen, I am thankful for your vision. Every conversation we have had has been about our scholars and what assistance you can provide to ensure their success. You have been the driving force behind the entire PLA Network. Without you none of this would be possible. Blessing to each of you and Happy Thanksgiving!
Scholars First,
Dr. Sue Starr
Virtual Learning Day
Scholar Engagement
Reflecting on our scholar engagement even on the last day of our in person learning for the year.
Thanksgiving Break
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.
Return to E-Learning
Blackboard Information
Additional information on how to navigate the Blackboard platform can be found in the document below.
STEM Update
This week in STEM we continue to physically code programs. Moving forward, while we are learning from home we will use our interactive website.
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
Weekly Meal Distribution - November 23
Virtual Learning Day - November 24
Thanksgiving Break - November 25 to November 27
Weekly Meal Distribution - November 30
Virtual Learning Day - December 2
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.
Find Us On Social Media
Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GVPhalen
Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/GVPhalen
Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/GVPhalen/
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