Dear GIA Family,

I hope everyone was able to use Spring Break to connect with family and friends, to do something for yourself that brought you some joy, and... to just take a breath.

As we all try to make the best of a very difficult situation, it is important to acknowledge that some in our GIA family are praying for loved ones to recover, and others are praying for strength after loved ones have been lost.  We join our prayers with theirs. 

We also join with those praying for answers to questions of how they will pay bills, put food on the table and keep a roof over their head.

While we hope that praying for others produces miracles, the one thing that it does for sure is, helps us focus on the needs of others.  So, after you pray, connect.  Reach out to others. Check on them. Ask about their concerns – it might help take your mind off yours.

When you ask, “how are you doing?” and you get “OK” or “fine”, ask it again to get the real answer. And then just listen.  If you can do more than that, please do so. But sometimes listening – connecting – is enough to help us get through.

Genesis Updates

Virtual Parent Meeting – Genesis will host an Informational webinar this week to provide a forum for you to ask any questions you may have about Genesis and your scholars’ education.  Please look for details in the next couple of days.

Next School Year Calendar – The Board is considering two calendar options.  Both have a fall start date of August 3, 2020.  Please lock that date in (though given the current crisis, changes are possible). School will end on either May 21, 2021, or May 28, 2021. We will update you as soon as a decision is final (hopefully this week).

Summer School – Genesis is considering summer school of some type, given our scholars will have lost several days of instruction during this crisis. We cannot allow them to begin a new year behind where they need to be. Details are being worked out and we will inform you as plans develop.

Digital Learning Schedules – Expect schedules to be the same this coming week.  Some adjustments may be made this week (teachers are always making adjustments).  However, since this is the first week back from Spring Break, teachers and leaders will need to use this week to discuss and formalize additional changes.

Device and Internet Access – Genesis will reach out to parents this week to get feedback on home technology needs.  Some parents may have believed they could make “homeschooling” work for a couple of weeks with what they had at home. Those families may need additional support for such a long-term closure. Stay tuned.

Instructional Support – Genesis has applied for a grant that provides funding for on-line tutoring.  Hopefully, we will receive those funds to help us provide more one-to-one and small group services to help our scholars catch up.

Grades – As per the last update, we are grading scholar work. As a reminder, grades give us important information about what our scholars know. Parents should be prepared for virtual grades to dictate our plans for summer school, tutorials, and other forms of additional support. Like most issues, plans are ongoing.

Picking-up Personal Items – We are aware that many of you would like to retrieve some of your scholar’s personal items from the school.  Plans are being made to allow access to the school, in compliance with state and city mandates. Families will be notified once a pick-up schedule is finalized.

Attendance – Teachers have been instructed to take attendance in Power School to track how often scholars are logging on for virtual instruction. This will help us to determine which families may need additional support during the virtual learning phase.

I am aware that many of the updates indicate that we are still working through finalizing plans.  Unfortunately, that is a function of the season we are in.  We will try to update you more frequently as plans change or are finalized.  Look for more updates this week.

As always, stay in touch, be safe, be healthy, be blessed!

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Gavin Samms, Ph.D.

Head of Schools

Genesis Innovation Academy

404-990-3844

Please click the link below to view/ download Academic Resources Document.  
GIA Academic Resources for Parents April 1, 2020

Dear GIA Family,

Please know that our main goal during these unusual times is the health and safety of our families. Everything else is secondary.  We will certainly do everything we can to provide meaningful learning opportunities for your scholar while they are home.  However, we have no intention of adding to you or your family’s stress.  If our digital learning plans are difficult for you to manage right now, just let us know. We will work together to figure something out.

At this point, we cannot mandate anything or penalize anyone for not figuring out how to make “at home learning” work. There are simply too many things that are uncertain.  We do hope that you do the best you can, and that you encourage your scholars to do the same.  We do not know how long this shut-down will last, but I want to impress upon you how important it is that we continue to push our scholars to learn and grow.

When we do come out of this, and we WILL come out of this -- together – I am sure we want our scholars to be as prepared as possible to continue to excel. We cannot allow them to LOSE ground. We will press forward as best we can, updating you along the way.  Please ask all the questions you need to.  We are definitely in this together. 

Please read the updates below:

• Digital Learning Schedules – Our teachers will be available all week, each week, for our scholars.  Your scholar’s teacher(s) will let you know when (day and time) they will provide live virtual instruction and when they will be available to answer scholar questions about lessons or assignments. We expect to record the live instruction and make it available for scholars who missed it or want to review it. 

• Devices and Internet Access – We are aware that some of you have limited access to technology at home. We are still looking into options to support you. In the meantime, as noted above, please know that we will be flexible regarding due dates and times. Please be sure to let  your homeroom teacher know about any issues, and be very specific.  As always, let your Director know if you need additional support beyond what a teacher is able to communicate or provide.

• Instructional Support – If your scholar has an IEP, the teachers that have served your scholar will also have virtual hours set aside for additional support.  Please allow a couple of days for the support schedule to be finalized.  We will continue to make adjustments as needed to ensure that your scholars get the best possible support under the circumstances.

• Nutrition / Meal Service – It has been confirmed that all of the large districts in Metro Atlanta are serving meals from some of the schools in their region/area.  The meal service will be available to ALL school children who are in need of meals, not just the children who attend district schools.  We have attached updates in English and Spanish that list instructions and locations for each school district.

•  (View/ Download) Aviso importante con respecto a Ubicaciones de distribución de alimentos de emergencia en su comunidad

• (View / Download) Important Notice Regarding Emergency Food Distribution Locations in Your Community

• Morning Start Time: Communication – Please note that we are moving our office hours an hour later to 9:00 a.m.  Teachers are also expected to be available for scholars by 9:00 a.m. (instead of 8 a.m.). Parents should expect to reach the office, and scholars should expect to reach their teachers on-line, until 3 p.m.

Take care, be blessed, and be safe!

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Gavin Samms, Ph.D.

Head of Schools

Dear Parents,

We are confirming that Genesis Innovation Academy will close the campus starting Monday, March 16, 2020 for an indefinite period of time.  Families should anticipate the campus being closed for a minimum of two weeks, but should be prepared for the possibility of a much longer closure period. 

Instruction – It is important to note that while the campus will be closed, instruction will continue. Genesis’ teachers will be offering virtual instruction and/or learning activities to every scholar in every grade, during the school day. Parents are expected to prepare their scholars to receive instruction/do schoolwork each school day. Today’s Digital Learning Day was planned to allow us to test our, and our families’ capacity to manage digital learning successfully.  We have learned a lot from today and will update families before end of day Monday, March 16th with more detailed plans for next week and beyond. To help us adjust our plans accordingly, please be sure to communicate with your scholar’s homeroom teacher if you had any concerns or difficulties with the Digital Learning Day assignments.  Please keep in mind that this is an unusual situation, and plans will likely change. However, also know that we are committed to making sure that your scholars are learning while they are being kept safe at home.

Special Education Services – If your scholar has an IEP/504, you will receive additional correspondence next week from a member of the Special Education Team. That communication will provide more information about how your scholar will be appropriately supported while engaged in digital learning.

Tutoring – In-person tutoring is suspended until Genesis is cleared to reopen the campus.  However, Genesis is working on plans to provide virtual tutoring to scholars (which is a service we currently provide to some of our scholars while they are on campus). Please keep in mind that virtual tutoring options will be offered first to the scholars most in need.

Parent-Scholar-Teacher Conferences – To reiterate, Genesis teachers will be working while the campus is closed.  Time will be set aside for virtual conferences to discuss your scholar’s academic progress.  The schedule will be sent once it is finalized.

Adult Communication – Digital learning has not changed the expected communication protocol for parents and teachers.

• Formal Genesis E-Mail Updates - Formal updates from Genesis Innovation Academy regarding school closure and changes to the calendar or campus-wide schedule will be sent via e-mail.  Families are responsible for checking their e-mails in order to stay current. Additional correspondence may be sent via Class Dojo as a back-up, but Dojo is not the formal communication platform for Genesis.
• Web Updates - Genesis updates will be posted to the Genesis website for reference.
• Assignments and Grading - Formal teacher communication about assignments is still expected to be placed in PowerSchool.  Formal Parent-Teacher communication about class/course expectations or about individual scholars is expected to occur over e-mail. (Teachers may choose to use Class Dojo or Google Classroom as a back-up to formal communication or for informal communication).
• Teacher Responses - Teachers are still expected to answer parent e-mails within 48 hours.  If parents are not receiving the expected communication in a timely fashion, they should not hesitate to send their Academy Director an e-mail. If the Academy Director does not respond timely or appropriately, parents should contact Dr. Samms, the Head of Schools.
• Phone Calls – Parents may call the school during the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. to receive support and have questions answered in real time.  Parents should not expect teachers to communicate during the school day via phone.

Scholar Communication – Scholars will be expected to log-on to various platforms to receive instructions, to study, ask questions and to do actual work.  Parents may need to help scholars access their work sites. However, please use this as an opportunity to coach your scholars on proactively communicating with their teachers if they have questions.

Extra-Curricular Activities – At this time all Genesis athletic teams have suspended operations.  In addition, all field trips and events have been postponed.  We will continue to update you if and when events are canceled and under what circumstances refunds will be processed and how.

Nutrition/Meal Service – We are aware that some of our families rely on meal service at school to feed their children healthy meals.  We are working diligently with the state to determine what options are available and will update you early next week as we know more.

We understand the challenge this event has presented for our Genesis family, our community, our state, and our nation; our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been most directly impacted by COVID-19.  We always strive to make Genesis both a great school and a great family.  Many of us who are on the Genesis Team have children who attend school here every day.  We are in this with you and will do all we can to take care of all of OUR children.

Please feel free to reach out to any member of the Genesis Team if you have questions.

Blessings to you all,

Gavin Samms, Ph.D.

Head of Schools

Dear GIA Family,

I had hoped to send an update sooner, but this crisis has required me to do a whole lot more as a leader, manager, husband, father, and minister than normal. The adjustment process has been frustrating, but I’m good now. I have to be. I’m needed. The problem was comparing my “now” to my “normal.”  But life is not normal. So, it is okay if you feel out of sorts or if you are having a hard time getting your bearings.  Though it might frustrate you, it is okay if every plan you made for the family to try to keep things normal does not turn out perfectly.  This is not normal. As they say, “don’t sweat the small stuff.” But it is sometimes difficult to know what is “small” and what is “big” and truly matters. I suggest we focus on the important things that we might have lost sight of before the crisis; things that now forcefully demanded our attention: the health, well-being, and appreciation of the people we love.

So, don’t let this be a time when being around family all day becomes annoying and frustrating (I know it’s hard – it’s ALL day, EVERY day).  Pause and treasure every single minute of this time with family.  There are too many who wish they could have those “ALL day, EVERY” day moments back, and far too many who will have that same wish in the coming days and months.  This is not normal. But if normal is us taking our loved ones for granted, then maybe we should create a new normal.  Hug the people in your house and tell them you love them – EVERY day. They need it and you need it. (Wash your hands first and wear a mask if you have to – ‘cause this is not normal).

Genesis updates are included below (and in the attachment):

Schools Closures – The Governor has closed school for the remainder of the school year.  We plan to continue virtual learning for the remainder of the school year term that was planned.  We will keep you updated on specific details, including the calendar for 2020-2021.

Teachers - Many of you who were not formally trained as teachers are now experiencing, on a small-scale, what is like to teach children for several hours each day. It is not easy. Here are some memes that you might relate to: https://us.hola.com/lifestyle/20200326flx91stxpc/coronavirus-parents-homeschool-funny-memes.  I don’t know what Teacher’s Appreciation looks like this year, but as a start, please send thank you notes when you can.

Spring Break – Genesis will have Spring Break as scheduled next week.  There will be no digital instruction provided. This will give us (and probably many of you) an opportunity to rethink and regroup our instructional plans and personally regroup from the shock of the crisis. Please do not expect teachers to respond during this break. Scholars should “chill.” But for those who would prefer to have their scholars engaged over the break, suggestions are provided below.

Digital Learning Schedules – As per our last update, parents and scholars should be aware of their scholars digital learning schedule. If not, please reach out to your homeroom teacher, or your Director if you do not get a response. Scholars should have about 1-hour of virtual instruction per subject per week. We know there is some anxiety around what to do with your “precious angels” for a full day, EVERY day.  Please keep in mind that GIA cannot recreate “normal school” under the circumstances, but we will continue to do our very best to make sure scholars continue to learn and that you have resources to supplement what teachers do.

Device and Internet Access – As per the last update, homeroom teachers did let us know who needed support, and we have tried to make sure all scholars are able to connect and complete their work. But recognize there are still some issues. Continue to keep your homeroom teacher informed about anything we might be able to help with.  Some resources that may help include:

• X-Finity – If you are not connected to Wi-Fi, X-Finity is providing access to out-of-home hotspots.  Please search for one near you, if needed (https://wifi.xfinity.com/)
• Comcast – If you are not connected, and would prefer an in-home connection, Comcast is offering two free months, and a low rate thereafter.  Please go to the site for details (https://www.internetessentials.com/covid19).

Instructional Support – If your scholar has an Individualized Education Plans (IEP), a support teacher/professional should have updated you on how your scholar’s plan will be implemented in a virtual environment. If you have not heard from anyone, please reach out to Dr. Jacquita Henderson (jhenderson@giacademy.org). Dr. Henderson will oversee Instructional Support on an interim basis. She has run all of these programs before, at a high-level, and in a state-charter school, so we are glad to have her expertise. Note: Dr. Solomon was offered a new opportunity and is no longer with Genesis. We wish her well and thank her for her service to children and families.

Grades – We have just received guidance from the state on how to determine formal report card grades.  We are reviewing that information and will get back to you as soon as possible.  We do know that we will not penalize scholars for poor results during this crisis. However, we do expect scholars to do their best and we will grade them on the quality of the work they submit.  Why? Because it is in all of our best interest to know what our scholars understand and are able to do.

Nutrition – Hopefully, families who needed access to meals were able to use information in our last update on district-based sites providing free breakfast and/or lunch.  Some of those sites may be closing during Spring Break. Check the website in the district you live in for more information about possible alternatives. Also, check out the Atlanta Food Bank (https://acfb.org/covid-19-response) and YMCA (https://www.ymcaatlanta.org/blog/current-ymca-hunger-relief-programs/) for additional options, if needed. There is another program that delivers groceries for families in need: https://atlsurvival.org/food/

Home-School Suggestions

If you need ideas about how to manage this “homeschool” situation, we will try to provide suggestions and resources to hopefully make it easier for you.

Home Strategies

• Schedule/Routine - Create a regular daily routine for scholars (it helps them)
• Note: As per the intro, if the schedule is adding stress, change it or ditch it
• “Me Time” - Schedule some “Me” Time for Mom/Dad (you need it)
• Family Time – Go for a walk together, play a game, watch a movie
• Friend Time – Create a virtual lunch meeting for your scholar and friends

Academic Resources – Attached are some FREE reading resources that you might find helpful if you want to give your scholars something academic to do or if you just want to let them read for fun (note: sometimes free versions have less options).

Life & Health Resources

• United Way – General help for families who have unmet needs: https://www.unitedwayatlanta.org/need-help/
• Crisis Text Line – This is a counseling resource for a crisis. Just in case you need it: https://www.crisistextline.org/

As always, stay in touch and let us know if you need anything.  If we can’t help you, we will find someone who can.

Be safe, be healthy, be blessed!

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Gavin Samms, Ph.D.

Head of Schools

Genesis Innovation Academy