Parent Resources, Services and Announcements

This Friday is an asynchronous learning day. Please refer to teacher emails, Canvas or Dojo for teachers' specifics on attendance requirements and assignments.

GIA GA Milestones Parent Meeting 2022

***ATTENTION GIA 8TH GRADE PARENTS***

On Monday, March 28th, in addition to taking their regular spring pictures, your scholar will take their 8th grade portraits with Lifetouch.  For their portrait, 8th grade girls will wear a purple drape and pearls which will be provided by Genesis.  The 8th grade boys will wear their white school uniform oxford shirt with a purple bow tie, also provided by Genesis.  Please see the flyer above for an example of what your scholar's picture will look like.  We are so excited to capture your scholar's final moment of middle school!  

Please reach out to me (Dean Rice) with any question or concerns.  The flyer below provides details for how you may order your scholar's 8th grade portrait through Lifetouch.

ATTENTION GIA PARENTS AND SCHOLARS!!!!

Picture Day for the 2021-2022 school year is Monday, March 28th!!  Please see the flyer below from Lifetouch for details on how you may order your scholar's spring pictures.

picture day flyer.pdf 

***Please note...All scholars MUST be in FULL UNIFORM for their pictures.  Feel free to reach out to me (Dean Rice) with any questions or concerns.

Dear Families,

On March 15-17 we will administer the final Write Score assessment for the 2021-2022 school year. Write Score provides robust tools for formative writing assessments designed to help schools, teachers, and students improve writing. With standards-aligned assessments, instructional resources, and historical student data reports, Write Score provides tools to help teachers pinpoint instruction, save time, and meet students’ diverse literacy needs.

The 2022 Winter Write Score assessment will take place at 8:45AM on the following days:

•   Tuesday, March 15 for 3rd-5th Grades
•  Wednesday, March 16 for 6th-10 Grades
•  Thursday, March 17 for Makeups

Scholars will report to their respective homerooms to complete the assessment.

• Scholars in grades 3-10 will be required to type a response to each assessment question.
• Scholars can bring one sheet of paper and a pencil to the test session to pre-write.
• The website for the assessment is: student.writescore.com
• Scholars and parents in grades 3-10 should watch this video to familiarize yourselves with the assessment process.

*Note: Login information will not be available until the test session begins.

Thank you,
GIA Testing Admin

Dear Genesis Family,

I recently had the opportunity to witness a video of a fight that happened at another school. Students circled around and watched (and encouraged) the two people (two girls) to keep fighting. It was bad. I was reminded of one of the reasons why Genesis was founded – to have a culture where such behavior was never normal. Our scholars are not perfect, but that behavior is not normal here and I am grateful.   We expect scholars to discourage peers from getting into altercations and to seek help from adults.

All our culture expectations are important (positive language/no cursing, dress codes, no horseplay, respect for peers and adults, etc.). Sometimes a parent gets upset because they believe we focus too much on small things.  But we focus on seemingly “small things” because it helps us set a higher standard to prevent the “big things” (like UFC style fights in school). The Bible tells us it is the “little foxes that spoil the vines.” Small things matter. We thank you for your support as we try to create a safe and supportive culture and develop young men and women of character and integrity.

Updates

Picture Day – Picture Day for all scholars will be held on March 28^th. More information on packages will be coming soon from Life Touch (the photographer).

Moot Court Results – On Friday, March 4th the Genesis Innovation Academy Middle School and High School Moot Court Teams represented the school exceptionally well during the Young Litigators Project (YLP) Moot Court Competition. The Middle School Team earned a clean sweep of awards; Best Overall Team, Best Brief, and Solomon Nixon was awarded Best Advocator. The high school team was well-prepared but lost out in a tough competition. We celebrate all our Moot Court scholars for their hard work and dedication throughout the year!

Basketball Results – Congratulations to both our 3^rd-4^th grade and our 5^th-6^th grade basketball teams for winning 2^nd place in their league basketball tournaments! Both teams lost to tough opponents in the finals. Our middle school and high school teams lost in the playoffs, but each were shorthanded due to injuries. But they exemplified perseverance by continuing to put forth best effort in the face of challenges. Thank you to all of our scholar-athletes,  coaches, and parents for their hard work and commitment throughout the season.

Asynchronous and Teacher Planning Days (Reminder) - Remember that we have added an asynchronous day on Friday, March 18^th. Scholars will work from home on that day. Also, keep in mind that Monday, March 21^st is a teacher planning day. There will be no school on the 21^st.

Awnings – Genesis contracted with a company some time ago to replace all the awnings, but their work has been slowed by supply chain issues.  They recently started the replacement process. They will also be installing a covering over the walkway to the modular units, extending the awnings on the Boys building to cover the walkway all the way to the cafeteria, and installing vinyl curtains to enclose the courtyard patio.  We thank you for your patience while the work is being done.

Tutoring (Reminder) – Genesis is offering small-group and one-on-one tutoring for scholars in need of additional support. Some of the support is offered by Genesis teachers.  Genesis has also contracted with a tutoring service. If your scholar has not been invited to participate in tutorial and you feel the support is needed, please reach out to Mr. Lovett at elovett@giacaedemy.org. Slots are opened for scholars most in need.

COVID Update

The chart below indicates COVID numbers through March 9.

Be safe, be healthy, be blessed!

Dear Genesis Family,

We have scheduled two additional asynchronous days for the remainder of second semester.

Asynchronous Days

Friday, March 18

Friday, May 6

Parents should expect details about expectations by the Wednesday prior to each asynchronous day.

A more complete Genesis update will be sent early next week.

Thank you all and have a great weekend!

Dear Genesis Family,

Empathy is our value for the month of February.  All of us should work hard to practice it. Stephen Covey reminds us that we should first seek to understand, then to be understood.  As educators we want to think about what scholars feel like in our classrooms.  Do they feel supported, engaged, and believed in.  Do we recognize how hard it is for a parent to trust someone else to take care of their child and how we can better build that trust? As parents can we imagine what it is like for a teacher to figure out the unique approach that works for twenty children at once, when as parents we often have a hard time figuring out what works for just the one or two (etc.) we have in our house.  We all have a role to play and each of them is a challenge.  Before we fuss, cuss, demean, diminish, or argue, let us try on the other person’s shoes.  We may still need to address some things, but maybe we would do it differently.

Intent-to-Return (Reminder) – All families who wish for their currently enrolled scholar to return to Genesis next year must fill out an Intent-to-Return form to hold a seat for that scholar.  One form must be filled out for each scholar.  If you do not fill out the form, your scholar will lose their slot to a scholar that is applying for admission to Genesis.  Intent-to-Return forms will be uploaded to your Power School parent portal on February 4. Click “Forms” to access the form. The forms are due by February 18^th. You may find additional information on the Returning Families page on the website.

Open Enrollment (Reminder) – Open enrollment has begun for any scholars that will be new to Genesis. Keep in mind that if you have a child at home that is not already enrolled at Genesis you must fill out an application for that scholar if you want them to attend.  Feel free to spread the word to interested family and friends.

Asynchronous Learning Week (Reminder) – February 21-25 is asynchronous learning week.  If you have questions or concerns prior to receiving more information, please reach out to your scholar’s teacher(s) or the appropriate School Director:

• Elementary School (K-5): Ms. Renetta Dees (rdees@giacademy.org)
• Middle School (6-8): Dr. Crystal LaVoulle (clavoulle@giacademy.org)
• High School: Mr. Tracy Dubose (tdubose@giacademy.org)

Tutoring (Reminder) – Genesis is offering small-group and one-on-one tutoring for scholars in need of additional support. Some of the support is offered by Genesis teachers.  Genesis has also contracted with a tutoring service. If your scholar has not been invited to participate in tutorial and you feel the support is needed, please reach out to Mr. Lovett at elovett@giacaedemy.org. Slots are opened for scholars most in need.

Car Lane Interaction – Unfortunately, we are getting reports that some parents are aggressively confronting staff members in the car lane.  Please be aware that schools can ban parents from campus if they behave inappropriately around children and/or toward staff members.  We try to get parents through the car lane as quickly as possible and always ask for your patience. The team is doing the best it can.  To help things go more smoothly, please remember to arrive for second dismissal after 3:30 p.m.  Also, if your scholar is in Global Tech for after care, please do not pick them up prior to 4:30 p.m. (when second dismissal ends). In addition, parents should not park in the car lane and exit their car to enter the campus/building.

COVID Update

The chart below indicates COVID numbers through February 14.

Have a great rest of your week!

Dear Genesis Family,

I hope this message finds you and yours doing well.  I want to take a moment to commend our parents, faculty, staff, and administrators for the perseverance that has been shown by everyone all year long.  COVID has presented several challenges, but it has also revealed how capable we are of facing and overcoming challenges. There will always be challenges, but we have shown that we will always respond. Our children will be better off as a result.

Please review the updates below:

Updates

Calendar Change: Make-up Days – In a prior e-mail it was mentioned that we needed to make-up lost days due to the first week of school being postponed. A survey was sent to parents and staff with several options.  Based on the survey results and Board approval, the Winter Break scheduled for February 21-25 will now be an asynchronous learning week. Stay tuned for more details.  If you have questions or concerns prior to receiving more information, please reach out to one of our School Directors:

• Elementary School (K-5): Ms. Renetta Dees (rdees@giacademy.org)
• Middle School (6-8): Dr. Crystal LaVoulle (clavoulle@giacademy.org)
• High School: Mr. Tracy Dubose (tdubose@giacademy.org)

Tutoring – Genesis is offering small-group and one-on-one tutoring for scholars in need of additional support. Some of the support is offered by Genesis teachers.  Genesis has also contracted with a tutoring service. If your scholar has not been invited to participate in tutorial and you feel the support is needed, please reach out to Mr. Lovett at elovett@giacaedemy.org. Slots are opened up for scholars most in need.

Attendance Check – Many parents are receiving attendance letters.  Please do not panic!  We are required by the state to send this kind of letter. We had not done so earlier because of the impact of COVID on attendance. What is most important now is for parents to help us account for absences (including COVID-related ones) as accurately as possible.  Some of you may have sent information about absences before but we may need your help in making sure those notices are sent to the right place. We will work with you to get it right. If you believe an absence was entered in error (i.e., your scholar was present on that day), feel free to e-mail your scholar’s homeroom teacher (and copy info@giacademy.org.  If you believe your scholar’s absence should be excused, send any notices or documentation to info@giacademy.org with the subject “Attendance Documentation.”

Intent-to-Return (Reminder) – All families who wish for their currently enrolled scholar to return to Genesis next year must fill out an Intent-to-Return form to hold a seat for that scholar.  One form must be filled out for each scholar.  If you do not fill out the form, your scholar will lose their slot to a scholar that is applying for admission to Genesis.  Intent-to-Return forms will be uploaded to your Power School parent portal on February 4. Click “Forms” to access the form. The forms are due by February 18^th. You may find additional information on the Returning Families page on the website.

Open Enrollment (Reminder) – Open enrollment has begun for any scholars that will be new to Genesis. Keep in mind that if you have a child at home that is not already enrolled at Genesis you must fill out an application for that scholar if you want them to attend.  Feel free to spread the word to interested family and friends.

COVID Update

The chart below indicates COVID numbers through January 31 testing (thus far).

Have a great rest of your week!

Dear Genesis Family,

I hope this message finds you and your family well.  It looks like there is some real hope that COVID-19 will soon be a minor concern.  We have tried to do our best to emphasize health and safety. We have probably provided more testing than any other school or district. We have required masks and temperature checks since we returned to in-person learning.  We still contact trace and quarantine close contacts. All our classrooms have air purifiers. And at the beginning of the pandemic, we went all-virtual right away with on-site learning pods to maximize health and safety. We will continue to keep health and safety at the forefront. 

We appreciate all that our faculty and staff have done to make the learning environment productive for our scholars, despite the pandemic. We also thank our parents for putting in so much effort at home in support of what we are doing.  We are not done with COVID just yet, but we are confident that, despite the pandemic, we will guide our scholars to success – together.

Updates below:

Intent-to-Return – All families who wish for their currently enrolled scholar to return to Genesis next year must fill out an Intent-to-Return form to hold a seat for that scholar.  One form must be filled out for each scholar.  If you do not fill out the form, your scholar will lose their slot to a scholar that is applying for admission to Genesis.  Intent-to-Return forms will be e-mailed to all families on February 4^th and will be due by February 18^th. You may find additional information on the Returning Families page on the website.

Open Enrollment – Open enrollment has begun for any scholars that will be new to Genesis. Keep in mind that if you have a child at home that is not already enrolled at Genesis, you must fill out an application for that scholar if you want them to attend.  Feel free to spread the word to interested family and friends.

Calendar - As you may recall, last fall Genesis delayed opening a week due to COVID concerns. The state of Georgia requires that we still offer 180 instructional days.  We have listed some options for parents to choose from on the FY22 Calendar Survey.  Please fill out the survey at your earliest convenience.  We will consider responses from all stakeholders. Please click the link to fill out the survey: Parent Calendar Survey

ESSR Funds – Genesis received ESSR funds (e.g., CARES Act funds) last year from the federal government for COVID relief.  A survey was sent to parents to get feedback on preferences for how the funds should be spent. The survey results and the current budgets are posted to our website HERE.

Free Testing Kits – The federal government is offering free at-home COVID tests.  Find ordering information HERE.

COVID Update

As noted, we have continued to test each week.  Below is the update on COVID numbers from testing, as well as self-reports from those who tested outside of Genesis. The increased numbers since December reflect how quickly the Omicron variant spread. The low numbers from last week, hopefully indicate infection rates might be slowing down.

As always, we wish you and your family health and blessings!

Dear Genesis Family,

As always, I hope you and your family are safe and well.

We have consulted with the Board of Health (BOH) and were informed that cases in Fulton County were still going up.  Cases are higher than at any time during the pandemic.  They are advising that we use testing results to guide our decision-making.

Though most districts have returned, or are returning on Monday, Genesis has decided to take an additional day and re-open on Tuesday, January 11. We want to get all the results from today’s (January 6) testing. Those results may not be final until Monday (testing companies are taking longer to return results).

Waiting an additional day for results will help ensure we are not returning to a situation that would cause a surge of additional cases within our building.  Waiting for the test results would also help us make sure we have adequate staff to manage a safe and productive in-person learning environment.

We are being cautious not fearful.  We understand that the pandemic will be with us for a while, and we must be diligent in following protocols to keep scholars and staff safe and healthy, and our doors open.  We are trying to manage the “holiday surge” with the best information possible. We need an additional day to get that information. We believe it is the right decision in this moment.

Parents may bring scholars to campus for free COVID testing on Monday between 8:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.  Since that means some scholars will be traveling during school hours, Monday will be an asynchronous instructional day.  Teachers should be forwarding information soon.

Barring the unexpected, we will be back to our new normal on Tuesday.  If we do not see you this coming Monday for testing, we hope to see you this coming Tuesday when you drop your scholars off.

Happy New Year Genesis Family,

As a reminder, I am resending the update from last week that we are virtual next week.

For those looking for a COVID testing option for scholars, we will be sending a notice out early next week about regular Thursday testing at Genesis.

Remember to send any questions to info@giacademy.org.

Hope you have a great New Year’s weekend!

______________________________________________

From: Admin <GenesisAdmin@giacademy.org>
Sent: Thursday, December 23, 2021 11:35 AM
Subject: Head of Schools Update: 12.21.21 - Return in January

Dear Genesis Family,

I am sending this update to inform you that, out of an abundance of caution, we will start the New Year with a virtual learning model. We expect to be virtual for the first week.  We expect to be back in-person the following week but will continue to monitor COVID data and updates.

All scholars will be expected to log-on to their first class on Tuesday, January 4, 2022 @ 8:00 a.m.  Because our faculty and staff are off until January 3, 2022, we will not be able to send you final updates about the instructional day for your scholar(s) until that first Monday. In general, you should expect a modified schedule.

Dual Enrollment scholars and scholar-athletes will receive separate communications about their schedules and requirements.

We know this decision may create challenges for some of our families.  But given how quickly the Omicron variant is spreading (and given how COVID-19 cases have surged after every holiday/vacation break) it seemed wise to keep our scholars virtual to minimize the risk of spreading the virus upon our return.

We will continue to offer free testing on-site for scholars.  If you have not done so, but wish to add your scholar to the list, please fill out this form: COVID Test Consent Form.  Look for more information about possible scholar testing during the first week in January.

We do not take this virus lightly or how it has affected all of us.  There is a lot of uncertainty about what we should specifically do in every situation. We thank you for your patience and understanding as we attempt to do the best we can with the information and consultation that is being made available to us. The advisories continue to emphasize vaccines and boosters to protect yourself, masking to best protect others, and social distancing to protect everyone.

Again, if there is more guidance from the CDC or health professionals that are advising us, we will update you.  If you have any questions, please e-mail info@giacademy.org and we will address them as soon as we can (Note: the staff is on break until the new year).

My great hope, no matter what else is going on in the world, is that each of you and your families stay safe and have a blessed holiday season!

Gavin Samms, Ph.D. // Head of Schools & CEO

404-990-3844 (O) // 404-990-3844 (F)

1049 Custer Ave SE // Atlanta, GA 30316

CCRPI Outperformers, 2019

Georgia Rewards School, 2019

Visit our Website: Discover our E⁵ Curriculum

Dear Genesis Family,

I am sending this update to inform you that, out of an abundance of caution, we will start the New Year with a virtual learning model. We expect to be virtual for the first week.  We expect to be back in-person the following week but will continue to monitor COVID data and updates.

All scholars will be expected to log-on to their first class on Tuesday, January 4, 2022 @ 8:00 a.m.  Because our faculty and staff are off until January 3, 2022, we will not be able to send you final updates about the instructional day for your scholar(s) until that first Monday. In general, you should expect a modified schedule.

Dual Enrollment scholars and scholar-athletes will receive separate communications about their schedules and requirements.

We know this decision may create challenges for some of our families.  But given how quickly the Omicron variant is spreading (and given how COVID-19 cases have surged after every holiday/vacation break) it seemed wise to keep our scholars virtual to minimize the risk of spreading the virus upon our return.

We will continue to offer free testing on-site for scholars.  If you have not done so, but wish to add your scholar to the list, please fill out this form: COVID Test Consent Form.  Look for more information about possible scholar testing during the first week in January.

We do not take this virus lightly or how it has affected all of us.  There is a lot of uncertainty about what we should specifically do in every situation. We thank you for your patience and understanding as we attempt to do the best we can with the information and consultation that is being made available to us. The advisories continue to emphasize vaccines and boosters to protect yourself, masking to best protect others, and social distancing to protect everyone.

Again, if there is more guidance from the CDC or health professionals that are advising us, we will update you.  If you have any questions, please e-mail info@giacademy.org and we will address them as soon as we can (Note: the staff is on break until the new year).

My great hope, no matter what else is going on in the world, is that each of you and your families stay safe and have a blessed holiday season!

 -----------------------

Gavin Samms, Ph.D. // Head of Schools & CEO

404-990-3844 (O) // 404-990-3844 (F)

1049 Custer Ave SE // Atlanta, GA 30316

CCRPI Outperformers, 2019

Georgia Rewards School, 2019

Visit our Website: Discover our E⁵ Curriculum

Dear Genesis Family,

As noted in my last communication, we would review results from Monday’s COVID testing on today.  Those results have indicated additional staff members testing positive, which has led to more staff needing to quarantine. We have had one additional scholar test positive.

The additional staff shortage is what still concerns me the most.  Without sufficient staff we are left scrambling to attend to children properly. Quality instruction suffers, classroom/behavior management suffers, and our ability to manage COVID protocols suffers.

I have consulted again with the Fulton County Board of Health. That conversation confirmed that now is a good time to suspend in-person learning and move to remote learning for the next two days. Teachers will communicate expectations about the next two days as quickly as possible.

Given we are two days short of the semester, most of our instruction and assessment should wrap up today.  If there are any issues or concerns about assignments and assessments, teachers and instructional leadership will work that out with those families and scholars. Information about basketball schedules and protocols will be communicated separately to those parents.

After having so few cases for so long, these past two days have been challenging to say the least.  But it is a reminder that COVID-19 is no joke and is probably going to be with us a while longer.  In fact, cases are starting to rise all over. It is a reminder to stay diligent on following protocols. It may make some think about getting vaccines and/or boosters for themselves and/or their children.  But it is certainly going to require us to think more carefully about how to operate in this environment.  We will regroup and revise our strategies and update all of you accordingly.

Look for more information soon about how we expect to return safely back to school after the holiday break.

We wish you a safe and healthy holiday season!

Dear Genesis Family,

Since Thanksgiving break, we have been seeing more COVID-19 cases than we had become used to.  This past week continued that trend. We consulted extensively with the Fulton County Board of Health (FCBOH). We were reassured that our practice of quarantining classes after a second positive case was definitely a safe practice, especially since we mandate masks and keep scholars separated by class as additional steps.  Based on conversations with the FCBOH, our case count does not indicate a need to do more than our current practice of quarantining close contacts and classes with more than one case. But we will remain diligent and are prepared to take additional actions based on data and the advice of experts.

As our K-2 parents are aware, we made the decision last evening to quarantine the entire K-2. The decision was based more on a staffing shortage due to the number of K-2 teachers who must quarantine due to close contact with an infected person.

The most recent numbers are below:

POSTED on 12/8

POSTED on 12/14

Twelve (12) of the scholar cases come from classes/grades that we quarantined when they had only two (2) positive cases: 3^rd grade girls (which now have 6 cases); 1^st grade boys (now have 4 cases); and K boys (2 cases).

We will be receiving more results on tomorrow from our Monday testing.  This picture could change and require us to take additional measures.  We will continue to consult with the Board of Health and, as noted above, do our best to let the data and the experts guide our decision-making process.

Respectfully,

Dear Genesis Family,

I hope that this message finds you well. As we head into the end of the semester, there are a couple of important updates to keep in mind.

Parent Conferences/Remote Learning Day

Remember that this Friday, December 10, is a Parent Conference Day and Student Remote Learning Day (campus will be closed). Please look for information from your scholar’s teacher(s). If you have questions/concerns reach out to teachers or, if need be, the school Directors.

• Elementary – Ms. Renetta Dees: rdees@giacademy.org
• Middle School – Dr. Crystal LaVoulle: clavoulle@giacademy.org
• High School – Mr. Tracy Dubose: tdubose@giacademy.org

Grades

Please check your scholar’s grades as we head to the end of the semester.  Use Canvas if your scholar is in grades 3-8 (use Power School if your scholar is in grades K-2).  There is no time like the present to ask questions if there are concerns.  See attached Parent Canvas Access instructions.

Parent Canvas Access

Dress Code

Thank you to all families who are supporting the Genesis dress code.  It is important.  Our value of the month is nobility which is basically a term about character and integrity.  It is hard to instill character in scholars if parents sometimes make it seem like the dress code (or other rules) can be broken, just because.  Part of character and integrity is doing what we say we are going to do.  All of us with enrolled scholars signed off on the dress code.  Help us, help our scholars walk with integrity. If you have questions about the dress code, or how we handle scholars being out of compliance, please reach out to your scholar’s Dean of Students (Ms. Rice or Mr. Lovett)

Arrival/Dismissal Parking

A message was sent to parents Monday of this week about parking in neighborhoods during drop-off and dismissal. Please keep in mind that if you block driveways and streets, homeowners will have no choice but to have your car booted or towed. The police officers who are here during arrival and dismissal may ask you to move your car.  Even though you may not want to wait in the dismissal or drop-off line, we expect all of our parents to respect the homeowners in the neighborhood (as I am sure you would want to be respected).

COVID Update

We have continued to test each week.  Staff tested twice last week after we returned from the break.  We are grateful that we did not have any reported infections last week (we have had additional positive tests this week).  We ask everyone to remain diligent as the new Omicron variant is circulating and it is still unclear how dangerous it might become.

Thank you so very much for trusting us with your amazing scholars.

Dear Genesis Family,

We are sending a flyer from Chessology about a competitive level, after school chess class.  Chessology comes highly recommended from several of our parents and scholars. (Some of you may remember him from online classes at the end of last school year).

We hope this is the beginning of a chess culture at Genesis in which all our scholars learn how to think strategically through chess. We also hope to involve our chess-playing parents.  But we are starting small, with two fee-based classes: one for grades K-4 and one for grades 5-10.  The chess-master/coach will also identify the top players for the Genesis chess team, which we hope will begin to compete in the Spring.

If you have a serious chess player in your home, please consider registering.  If you have a scholar who is extremely interested in chess and willing to work hard to get better, this may also be a great opportunity.

Please review the flyer by clicking the link here Genesis-Chessology Flyer  and register by this Friday, December 3, 2021, using the directions on flyer.  Our first class will begin next Monday.

If you have questions, please reach out directly to Chessology at the number on the flyer or e-mail your Dean of Students.

Sincerely,

Gavin Samms, Ph.D. // Head of Schools & CEO

Dear Genesis Parents,
Please be advised that scholars should NOT be dropped off on Custer Avenue during morning arrival.

Yesterday, a young Genesis scholar was dropped off on Custer Avenue during morning arrival. The scholar was let out into traffic. While trying to cross the street, the scholar was bumped by another car. The scholar was not seriously hurt but the outcome could have been much worse.

Parents should drop scholars off in the car line to maximize safety. Police officers are on Custer to direct the flow of traffic and we staff the car lane to make every effort to get cars through the line in a timely manner. But safety must be a bigger priority than speed. Dropping scholars off in traffic on Custer Avenue is anything but safe.

To maximize safety, police officers will now stop parents from parking on the sidewalk. We also ask that you do not park on adjacent side streets and have your scholars walk up during morning arrival. Car lane drop off is important both for traffic safety and for following COVID protocols.

We appreciate your support in following these safety procedures.

Dear Parents,

This month our GENESIS POWER value is Gratitude.  We will be reinforcing that value with out scholars. But given the last year and a half of challenges, hopefully we, as adults, can find a moment to focus on the same thing.  It is easy to find a reason to be negative or to complain but let us at least take this month (hopefully more) to show our children that there is always something to be grateful and thankful for.  It is human nature to focus on what we want but do not have. Our children our experts at it.  Let us all try to reverse that mindset by the example we set for them.  We sometimes think the gifts we can buy them are the most important things we give them.  Usually, the most important thing we can give them is the example of how to live.  Being grateful is a good start.

Donuts for Teachers

I missed this e-mail earlier, but the State Charter School Foundation (SCSF) has extended the deadline on “Donuts for Teachers.”  Please purchase "digital dozen" donut certificates for teachers and/or for yourself at the State Charter School Foundation (SCSF) website: Please click HERE to purchase.  If you can purchase today that would be great! Donuts go to teachers and proceeds go the Foundation, which supports state charter schools throughout Georgia. 

COVID Update

Case numbers continue to go down, which is great. But we must keep in mind that infections of all kinds tend to go up when the weather gets colder. This is the season to stock up on chicken soup and to think about getting the flu vaccine. In addition, COVID vaccines are now available for all school-aged children, at parents’ discretion. Genesis will continue its weekly scheduled testing program as well as testing of “close contacts” (as needed).  Remember that vaccinated persons are less likely to get COVID, and less likely to get really sick or spread it if they do get the virus.  Plus, vaccinated individuals do not have to quarantine if they are exposed to an infected person (unless they show symptoms).

 COVID Numbers

Books

I want to stress how important it is for parents to emphasize reading as a habit.  I continue to ask scholars about having a book with them only to have them say “I forgot.”  Reading skills can be improved at school, but reading habits are created at home. 

Academic Progress

Please continue to check on your scholar’s progress. Do not wait for a report to come from the school.  Grades are posted electronically to give you real-time access. That means you can get a report at any time.  If the report does not seem correct, you have time to work with your scholar’s teacher(s) to get it corrected.  If you find out your scholar is not turning in work or is struggling with the work, you have time to seek assistance.  

Thank you for your continued support!

Dear Parents,

Hope all is well with you and your family.  We continue to ask for your support and patience as we strive to educate our scholars during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.  It is still affecting so many of our families and our staff. It requires us to be supportive and compassionate on the one hand and to work continuously on alternate plans to address the concerns and issues that a pandemic creates.  We want you to be confident that we are committed to doing our very best for our scholars despite the circumstances.

A couple of quick updates:  

Accreditation – The Genesis High School has recently been formally accredited for 9^th and 10^th grade by the Georgia Accrediting Commission (GAC). Genesis was already accredited by GAC for grades K-8.

Search for New Building – Genesis is still actively pursuing other properties to house our High School and to create additional space for K-8 on our current site. We have identified a location and are in negotiations.  We will keep you updated and ask for you to keep praying for a resolution.

Uniform Sale – Genesis will be having a gently used uniform sale on Tuesday, November 2, 2021, from 2 pm to 5 pm at Haitian Ministry Theophile Church In Christ Inc. - 930 Custer Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30316. If you plan to purchase uniform items, please be sure to set up your MyPayments Plus account by clicking here.

Parent Engagement Policy – The Parent Engagement Policy will be posted to the policy page on our website and can be downloaded by clicking here . Please look for additional communication on how Genesis will help parents support the education of their scholars during the remainder of this academic year.

Be safe, be healthy, be blessed!

Dear Genesis Parents,

I first wanted to say thank you for allowing us to educate and mentor your children.  No school is perfect, no child is perfect.  But overall, the scholars have carried themselves well.  Some of that is the result of how our teachers and staff work with them each day (so please send a thank you or shout out to our teachers every now and then).  But we also know that scholars are “good” because of good parenting. So, thank you again for raising good kids and know that we are in this with you to help them stay that way and get even better.

A few updates are below:

Remote Learning Day

Reminder that Genesis has scheduled a remote learning day for Friday, October 29.   Please reach out to your scholar’s homeroom teacher or your School Director if you have any questions about work expectations for that day.

Title I

Genesis will be holding a virtual Title 1 meeting on Tuesday, November 2.  To accommodate parent schedules, there are two sessions: one at 12 noon and one at 5 p.m.  Please choose to attend the session that best fits your schedule. All parents should have received a flyer.  Please attend to learn more about how Genesis plans to engage parents in the successful education of their scholars.  A zoom link will be sent prior to the meeting.

Progress Reports

Parents will receive progress reports this week for first-quarter grades. All parents should keep in mind that the reports are pulling grades from Canvas.  Parents should not wait until progress reports are sent to review scholar grades.  Parents always have access to grade information, which allows concerns to be addressed as they arise. If you have questions about grades, or if you think there is an error, please reach out to teachers first and Directors second. Note: High School parents will receive report cards this week for the first semester.  Because Genesis is using block scheduling, the first quarter represents a full semester. The report card grades are therefore final semester grades, not progress report grades. Parents should reach out to teachers or Mr. DuBose with any questions or concerns.

Detention/Saturday Work Detail

Some scholars have subpar grades because they are not completing classwork due to lack of effort.  Parents should be aware that teachers are instructed to pull scholars for lunch detention or after school detention to complete unfinished assignments.  Parents will be informed about after school detention the day it is required.  Scholars who consistently and deliberately fail to complete work will be referred to Saturday Work Detail.  Our goal is not punishment. We want to reinforce the value of work ethic.

Tutoring

Some scholars are working hard but are not performing well because they need support.  Genesis offers tutoring for those scholars.  Some tutoring has already begun in a few grades. Parents should look for more information soon about additional tutoring opportunities.

Weather Update

As the temperature begins to cool, we want our families to keep a few things in mind:

• Uniform/Dress – Make sure your scholars are dressed appropriately to stay warm when outside.  Keep in mind that when scholars are inside the building, they can only wear approved Genesis outerwear.  Any parent or scholar who is concerned about being cold inside the building should review the dress code in the handbook for approved options or reach out to their Dean of Students. Please stay tuned for more information about another uniform sale.
• Symptoms of Illness – Cold weather usually leads to an increase in illness.  Please make sure to monitor your scholar at night and each morning for symptoms that indicate they could be sick. If you notice symptoms, please keep your scholar home.  COVID is not the only illness to be concerned about.  Scholars can catch the flu, strep throat, the common cold, etc., and spread those to others.  Let us work together to minimize that. We should all be prepared as much as possible for scholars becoming ill and needing to stay at home during the winter season.

COVID Update

COVID is a specific and ongoing concern. We continue to encourage parents to sign their scholars up for regular testing by using the link to fill out the COVID Consent Form.  We also encourage parents to have their scholars 12 years and older vaccinated. Vaccinated scholars are less likely to get COVID, and less likely to get really sick or spread it if they do get the virus.  Plus, vaccinated scholars do not have to quarantine if they are exposed to an infected person (unless they show symptoms).

The rise in recent cases is likely due to traveling or being less diligent about following recommended protocols during and after the Fall break. Whether at school or away, we are asking everyone to be vigilant about following protocols. Future updates will include plans to reduce risk after Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks (e.g., quarantines, weekend testing, etc.)

Mask Wearing and Consequences

As noted above, we are stressing mask wearing even more.  There are reports of scholars deciding they do not have to wear their masks.  Continued lack of mask wearing will be treated as a behavior/discipline issue and parents will be contacted for additional support. Please have a conversation with your scholar about the importance of mask wearing.

Books

Remember to send your scholar with a book each day.  Reading is a habit that improves fluency, knowledge, and comprehension. Please note that not having a book will be incorporated into our culture point system and could affect a scholar’s ability to participate in extra-curricular activities.

Spirit Week/Dress Down Days

Genesis Spirit Week will begin this Monday. It was developed by some of our high school student leaders to provide a fun activity that supports the Genesis culture. It is important for parents to know that scholars earn the right to dress down during Spirit Week (or on any future dress down days).  It is also important to note that scholars are being rewarded (those who do not dress down are simply not being rewarded; they are not being punished). Following the dress code, along with overall behavior, is an important component of earning dress down privileges.

Thank you for your continued support!

Dear Parents,

We hope you and your scholars had a great fall break. As you prepare your scholars to return to school on tomorrow,  please review the updates below:

COVID-Testing

Although we have been blessed with relatively low number of COVID infections at Genesis, the virus is still spreading.  We must still take precautions.  Based on Board of Health recommendations it is expected that individuals get tested if they traveled by train, bus, or plane over the break.  Remember, Genesis offers scholars an opportunity to get tested at school as part of a Board of Health program. If you have not signed up your scholar for testing already, you may do so here: COVID Testing Consent.  In addition, if your scholar is not vaccinated, and you have reason to believe your scholar may have been exposed to COVID-19 positive persons or spent time around large groups without wearing a mask, it is expected that your scholar quarantine at home in addition to getting tested. Genesis conducts Covid testing for scholars every Monday.

Survey: CARES Act Funds

All public-school districts have received CARES Act funds from the government to help manage the COVID-19 crisis.  Genesis has used some of those funds for emergency concerns. However, decisions are still being made on the use of a major portion of the funds.  We want to get your feedback to help us guide our decision making. Please fill out this brief CARES Allocation Survey and give us your input. 

Reminder: Canvas

As a reminder, if your scholar is in grades 3 and up, please make sure you have access to the Canvas platform to get the best information on assignments and grades. Chick here for the guide showing parents how to access Canvas. Please reach out to techsupport@giacademy.org if you have technical difficulties. Reach out to your scholar’s teacher with questions about assignments, or administration if you cannot reach a teacher. 

Reminder: Parking in the Neighborhood

As a reminder, please do not block driveways or park in a way that prevents other cars from passing on the street.  Neighbors are expressing their concern that they cannot leave their neighborhoods, especially during arrival and dismissal. They will begin towing/booting cars if this continues.

Reminder: Uniforms

Please be sure to put your scholar’s name on their uniform and school supply items.  They do lose or misplace items often and it is easier to get items returned if they are labeled. All scholars should be in full uniform as per the dress code. If you have issues with uniforms, please reach out to your Academy Dean of Students, Ms. Rice (trice@giacademy.org) or Mr. Lovett (elovett@giacademy.org).

Reminder: Healthy Food/Snacks

As per our Handbook, please do not expect/allow your scholar to eat junk food while on the Genesis campus. The expectation is to promote health and wellness.  There are occasions when “treats” are allowed but it should not be considered a regular practice.

 Thank you and we look forward to welcoming your scholars back this week.

Dear Genesis Family,

First, let me say that all of us who are a part of Team Genesis are grateful for the opportunity to work with your scholars.  During a pandemic, it is understandable that we must talk about and think about how to work through challenges.  It can sometimes feel like a lot of negative. But your scholars are certainly a positive.  No child is perfect, and we still must work on helping many of them mature into thoughtful and disciplined scholars. And yes, we sometimes get tired and frustrated. However, we all became educators to teach and interact with kids.  I have heard several of our teachers say how great it is to be reminded of the impact they can have when they get to teach children in-person.  I am personally energized by how often so many of our scholars go out of their way to say hello or good morning with a smile on their face. Yes, we will enjoy this Fall break, but we will also gladly welcome your scholars back when they return.

Updates below

Fall Break

Reminder: We will return from Fall Break on Monday, October 11.

Curriculum Night

We have just completed this year’s Curriculum Night presentations.  Curriculum Night is not the only time parents should reach out to teachers.  If you still have questions about curriculum and instruction, please connect with your scholar’s teacher(s).  As noted during each presentation, if you cannot reach a teacher, please reach out to the School Director.  If that does not work, please reach out to me through e-mail or the front desk.

Canvas vs. Power School

I realized I misspoke during the middle school Curriculum Night presentation and wanted to clarify.  Canvas (not Power School) is the platform that parents of scholars in grades 3 and up should be viewing to get the most complete information about assignments. (Note: Canvas does synch grades and assignment titles to Power School, but not full information about assignments). K-2 teachers are primarily using Power School and will communicate with parents if that strategy changes.  Again, reach out if you have concerns (teacher, then Director, then Head of Schools). Chick here for the guide showing parents how to access Canvas.

Grade Check

Please check grades over the break.  We have essentially completed one quarter.  Progress Reports will go out shortly after we return from the break. If you have a high school scholar, they have almost completed the equivalent of one semester because they are on a block schedule.  Please be proactive and reach out if you have questions.

Parking in the Neighborhood

Several parents are parking in the neighborhood and walking up to drop scholars off in the morning or to pick them up at dismissal.  Keep in mind that you cannot block driveways or make it impossible for cars to pass because parked cars are on both sides of the street.  Our neighbors have not complained much about anything, but this is apparently becoming a problem.  Please be mindful.  The next step would likely be having cars booted and/or towed.

Uniforms

Please be sure to put your scholar’s name on their uniform and school supply items.  They do lose or misplace items often and it is easier to get items returned if they are labeled. All scholars should be in full uniform as per the dress code. If you have issues with uniforms, please reach out to your Academy Dean of Students, Ms. Rice (trice@giacademy.org) or Mr. Lovett (elovett@giacademy.org).

COVID-19 Update

We have gone through two weeks of regular weekly testing.  We test over 200 scholars each Monday and our staff on Thursdays (and sometimes on Monday as well). We are not able to test scholars unless we have parental consent.  If you would like to add your scholar to the testing list, please fill out the Covid Testing Consent form. (This form is also on the Parent Page of the Website) The virus is still out there, and we must remain diligent, particularly as the weather changes.  Thank you for sending your scholars with masks each day! Thank you for keeping ill scholars at home!

Healthy Food/Snacks

One of the expectations at Genesis is that scholars eat healthy.  As we continue to rebuild the in-person culture that we want, we will begin to focus on this when we return from the break.  Please refer to the Handbook if you are not familiar with the expectations. One major focus of the policy: please do not expect/allow your scholar to each junk food while on the Genesis campus.

Have a great break!

Hello Parents,

Please review the following letter regarding our Fall Write Score assessment scheduled on September 28^th & 29^th.

Write.Score.PL.Sept.Grades3thru10.pdf 

Thank You,

GIA Testing Admin

Dear Genesis Family,

I wanted to send a quick update about COVID Testing.  There was a miscommunication with the testing company about the testing dates.  We expected them on Tuesday but they arrived this morning (Monday) with a full team. 

The testing company completed the first round of testing today. Scholars should have been tested if a parent filled out the COVID Test Consent Form and indicated their consent (the original form was sent on August 25^th, and has been included on each Head of Schools Update). If there are questions about the consent please send them to the covid@giacademy.org e-mail, or reach out to the main office at 404-990-3844.

Until further notice, the main testing day for scholars will be each Monday.  Thursday is the main day for staff, but can be used as an alternate day for scholars who need to be tested on that day.

Please view this video about Mako Medical, the testing company, to learn more about their process.  You can also learn more about the partnership between Mako Medical and the Georgia Department of Health that allows us to conduct this testing at this website.

We will likely be testing through the Winter season to monitor any possible outbreaks that could occur.  This is a major and necessary undertaking for a school.  We ask for your continued patience as we make this process better over time. 

Respectfully,

Gavin Samms, Ph.D. // Head of Schools & CEO

Dear Genesis Family,

I regret to inform you that we recently lost a Genesis parent after a long fight against the COVID-19 virus. The parent was a mother of three Genesis children. She also lived with her sister, who happens to be the mother of four Genesis children.  At this moment, seven Genesis children have had their world turned completely upside down.  We are doing all we can as a Genesis community to support this family, but there is of course no way to make up for their great loss.

Please take care of yourselves.  We really do not want another announcement of any member of the Genesis family losing their life to this virus.  Your children need you healthy and whole.  Of course, we are all concerned about our young children, but the truth is adults are more likely to have serious illness (or worse) due to a COVID infection.  There are religious and medical concerns that I understand. But if you are more concerned about the vaccine than the virus, note that the virus has killed 4.5 million people worldwide. In the U.S. the number is over 600,000 deaths and almost 3 million hospitalizations.  The virus is winning.

Genesis COVID Case Update

Reported cases have remained relatively steady for the last two weeks.

COVID Testing

Regular COVID testing is set to begin on Tuesday.  If you filled out the COVID Consent Form for your scholar(s), we will arrange to have them tested regularly beginning this week. Additional information is forthcoming.

Sending Sick Scholars to School

We have recently had a couple of families bring ill children to school.  We do understand that sometimes parents believe that scholars are not “really” sick or can push through.  However, it is not acceptable to knowingly drop off a child with COVID symptoms (whether the scholar has COVID or not).

Our safety protocols including car line temperature checks and teacher/staff diligence helped to protect others by identifying these scholars before others could be affected.  Parents should expect a follow-up call from the Genesis Social Worker if a child is dropped off with obvious symptoms.

Other Updates

• Curriculum Night – Please prepare to join us virtually for Curriculum Night the week of September 27, 2021. This is an opportunity to learn more about the academic expectations of your scholar’s teachers and how you can help your scholar succeed.

• School Messenger – Please take the time to opt-in to School Messenger so that you can receive notifications by text message to your phone.  The linked flyer has instructions on how to set it up.

• Books – Every Genesis scholar must bring a book (or books) to school with them.  We want to build a culture of reading that does not rely only on reading instruction. We expect all scholars to read on their own and parents to read to scholars in K-2.  Scholars should be prepared to read in the car, while waiting for class to begin in the morning, or when a teacher provides time for them to read a book of their choosing. Scholars without a book may lose points in our behavior tracking system.

• Remote Learning Days – Please remember to lock in the next two Remote Learning Days on this coming Friday, September 24 and October 29.  Scholars will not come to campus on those days but will be expected to submit teacher provided assignments to verify attendance.

• Write-Score – Scholars will be taking Write-Score writing assessments over the next two weeks.  This first assessment will provide teachers with a baseline to help identify what writing skills each scholar needs to work on. Look for more information on when your scholar’s grade will be taking the assessment.

Be safe, be healthy, be blessed, and have a great upcoming week!

Gavin Samms, Ph.D. // Head of Schools & CEO

Please be very mindful of this policy. Even though your child may not be allergic, others around them are. Some scholars can have severe reactions from simply being in a room with nut products.

Dear Genesis Parents,

Unfortunately, COVID infections continue to be a major concern for all schools. Many people are still skeptical about vaccines, largely because of a lack of trust (in the government, the science, the process, etc.). But we don’t seem to lack trust in other ways.  Every day most of us put food or medicine in our bodies that contain chemicals we have never heard of that have serious side effects. We’ve all seen commercials for drugs that treat conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, ADHD, erectile dysfunction, depression, etc. Those commercials always list side effects that seem worse than the condition the drug is treating.  But that does not stop most people from taking them.  If there was a conspiracy, drug companies and the government would not need to use the vaccine. They have plenty of chances to inflict harm in all the other stuff we take every day.  We all get to make the choice that is best for us and our family. So this is just a thought for your consideration, not a directive.

Please see updates below.

Remote Learning Day

We just completed our first remote learning day. Your scholar is expected to return all assignments completed when they return on Tuesday. If you have any questions, please reach out to your scholar’s teacher(s).  If you need additional assistance, reach out to the appropriate Executive Director:

• Elementary (K-5) – Ms. Renetta Dees at rdees@giacademy.org
• Middle School (6-8) – Dr. Crystal LaVoulle at clavoulle@giacademy.org
• High School – Mr. Tracy DuBose at tdubose@giacademy.org

Schedules

All schedules have been finalized and posted to Power School. Parents will begin to see grades in the system.  New parents will receive an e-mail about accessing Power School. Information about Power School is also on our Great Start page in the Power School section.

Car Line & 2^nd Dismissal

As always, we thank our parents for their patience while waiting in the car lane. As a reminder to our parents who arrive for 2^nd dismissal, please do not arrive before 3:30 p.m.  We need time to finish the 1^st dismissal. If you arrive before 3:30 p.m. you will be instructed by Genesis staff to use the far left lane or to circle around to allow 1^st dismissal cars to pass through the line.  We expect our families to follow the directions given by staff. An individual that refuses staff directives (or harasses staff as they give directions) may be required to make arrangements for other adults/services to pick up their child.

Uniform / Dress Code

As a reminder, all scholars are expected to be in full uniform when they return on tomorrow, Tuesday, September 7. Full uniform includes everything from socks to belts to shoes, as well as items that require the Genesis logo.  Hopefully, parents were able to take advantage of the uniform sale this past Thursday. Parents will begin to receive notices of non-compliance about uniforms and should send questions or concerns about uniforms to our Deans:

• Girls Academy Dean – Ms. Taryn Rice at trice@giacademy.org
• Boys Academy Dean – Mr. Eddie Lovett at elovett@giacademy.org

The Genesis dress code is an important part of building the culture we want.  After a year and a half out of the building, we ask for parents’ support in helping us rebuild and improve upon the culture we had established.

COVID Testing Consent 

As a reminder, please fill out the COVID Testing Consent Form if you want your scholar to participate in regular weekly testing at Genesis. The testing will be conducted through the Department of Public Health. We ask that you fill out one for each scholar. We will update you when the program begins.

COVID and Labor Day Travel

If your scholar traveled by bus, plane, or train over the holiday weekend, we expect parents to follow CDC guidelines and have their scholar:

1. Get tested within 3-5 days after travel
2. Stay home and self-quarantine for a full 7 days after travel

Teachers will be able post work virtually for quarantining scholars.

COVID Case Update

Update of known/reported cases.

Masking

Most of our parents are sending their scholars with masks. Thank you!  We ask that parents keep spare masks in the car in case you or your scholar(s) forget to bring one. Also, please make sure the masks fit.  If you have an elementary scholar, there are smaller masks that fit better.  Lastly, we recommend N95 masks for the best protection.

We certainly hope everyone had a restful long weekend.  Welcome Back! 

Gavin Samms, Ph.D. // Head of Schools & CEO

Hello. I hope that this message finds you well. 

We are quickly approaching our first break of the academic year. At the conclusion of the break, all scholars will be expected to be in full uniform per the Genesis Family Handbook which can be found here beginning on page 29 for the ladies and page 32 for the men. 

Young ladies in grades K - 5 must have the following items:

• Short sleeve gold polo with Genesis logo
• Genesis gray pants or Genesis blue/gray plaid skirt or scooter
• Solid black, white, blue, or gray socks or tights

Young men in grades K - 5 must have the following items:

• Genesis Gray pants/slacks
• Purple short sleeve polo with Genesis logo (tucked at all times)
• Black belt
• Socks – white, navy, blue, black, brown, gray
• Shoes – white, navy, blue, grey or black

Young ladies in grades 6 - 10 must have the following items:

• White Oxford shirt with Genesis logo (Long sleeve is required, short sleeve optional)
• Genesis gray slacks gray skirt, or gray scooter
• Purple cross tie Gray cardigan with Genesis logo
• Solid color black, white or gray socks, knee socks, or tights
• Shoes - All-black, flat, and closed-toe

Young men in grades 6 - 10 must have the following items:

• Genesis charcoal gray slacks
• White Oxford long sleeve shirt with Genesis Logo (tucked at all times)
• Genesis Purple tie
• Gray sweater vest with Genesis Logo
• Black belt
• Black socks
• All Black shoe (no boots, no open-toed shoe)

We will be having a gently used uniform sale on Thursday, September 2, 2021, from 2 pm to 5 pm at Church of Atlanta Lighthouse - 1380 Boulevard SE, Atlanta, GA 30315. If you plan to attend please be sure to register your scholar at MyPaymentPlus by clicking here. Please follow the directions below to register your scholar.

How to register my scholar

1. Visit the link above (https://www.mypaymentsplus.com/register)
2. For the state select "Georgia"
3. For the school select "Genesis Innovation Academy"
4. Enter your first and last name (not your scholar's name), email address, and password. 
5. You will need your scholar's school ID number to register (if you need this number please email Mr. Lovett (elovett@giacademy.org)

Thank you for your continued support of Genesis Innovation Academy and we look forward to seeing you at the Gently Used Uniform Sale. 

Best,

Gently Used Uniform Sale.pdf 

Dear Genesis Parents,

We need to inform you that we are closing the building down this Friday to facilitate COVID preparations.  We do not have a lot of cases. However, there are things that need to be done to help us keep it that way.  We need to do a deep clean of the building, install additional desk shields, install cameras in select classrooms to support scholars who do quarantine, rearrange some rooms to minimize close contact, and get additional training on contact tracing and other COVID protocols.

While we are working on that, scholars will be working remotely from home.  Teachers will send home work that can be done without teacher support.  Teachers will provide specific instructions to parents and scholars about when and how work is to be completed and submitted. Please note that submitted work is how attendance is taken for a remote learning day.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause but these are not normal times.  Given the times, we are trying to be proactive and prepared for what will probably be another year of adjustments that are difficult to plan for.

Please reach out to your scholar(s)’ Executive Director with any questions you may have.

• Elementary – Ms. Renetta Dees (rdees@giacademy.org)
• Middle Grades (6-8) – Dr. Crystal LaVoulle (clavoulle@giacademy.org)
• High School – Mr. Tracy DuBose (tdubose@giacademy.org)

We appreciate your patience and understanding.

-----------------------

Gavin Samms, Ph.D. // Head of Schools & CEO

Dear Genesis Family,

We have completed two weeks and are pressing forward.  The main challenge is still how we manage COVID-19 cases.  This is a difficult situation for all.  Since the beginning of the crisis it has been clear that the medical / public health establishment has struggled to provide us with clear and definitive guidance. Each family, school, and community is left to take the information given and do the best it can for those who they are responsible for. I wish it were not this way. But it is.  We are all desperate to take care of our children’s physical health but in the process, we don’t want to diminish their emotional/social health and development or educational progress. We are all struggling with the right balance. One basic truth will not change – we will get through this better together.

Updates below:

Schedules

Schedules are being finalized. We are using additional data (not just this year’s MAP) to expedite the process.  Please know that teachers are still teaching. They are not waiting on the schedules to be finalized.  K-4 schedules are almost done.  Returning high school and middle scholar schedules are also almost finalized (some new scholar schedules are being delayed because of incomplete records). This year’s MAP data may provide helpful information for some scholar schedules in 5-10.

Late Arrivals

Remember that scholars are technically late if they arrive at 8:01 a.m. We have been providing a grace period in the morning but that is getting shorter each day. There may be situations (e.g. a bad storm) that cause us to extend the time. But that should be rare.  Please try to arrive by 7:45 a.m. to be safe.  If the car line is reduced to one-lane, that means your scholar is tardy and we will process the tardy check-in from the car line. If no staff member is in the car line, be prepared to park and enter the office.

After Care

There may have been different instructions given to parents so we want to clarify.  Parents of after-care scholars should inform Global Tech before 2 p.m. if they want to pick their scholar up from the car line during regular dismissal. Global Tech will then remove your scholar from the after-care list and will not pick the scholar from the class. Parents should use Global Tech’s Brigthwheel system to make any such changes. Parents should e-mail their scholar’s teacher as a back-up.

Fall Reopening Survey

We have had over 300 responses (we need more, we have over 500 families).  If you have not responded please click on the Fall 2021 Reopening Survey link.  The summary of responses:

• Over 80% of K-8 families prefer in-person learning (60% of high school families prefer in-person)
• However, about 60% of those who prefer in-person would prefer virtual if cases increase
• 60-70% of families state they have gotten (or will get) their scholars (12 years old and up) vaccinated
• 60% responded that they will consent to COVID testing.

This means it is important for us all to keep looking at the numbers.  Again, if you have not responded to the survey, you can still do so: Fall 2021 Reopening Survey

Based on some of the comments we have received so far, I wanted to add a couple of additional reminders, comments, and updates:

COVID Testing Consent 

The Fall 2021 Reopening survey asked a general question about consent for COVID testing.  We now need parents to formally consent to testing for each of their children.  This will help us prepare for the weekly testing sponsored by the Department of Health.  That testing can begin as soon as next week.  Please fill out the COVID Testing Consent Form. We ask that you fill out one for each scholar.

COVID Case Update

Case Update

In general, we have had some scholars and staff feel ill (due to various reasons), have symptoms, have contact with positive individuals (or individuals who were themselves in contact with a positive person). We’ve had a lot of individuals get tested.  But relative to those numbers, we have not had a lot of cases.

COVID Reporting (to Genesis)

If parents or staff need to report cases (or anything related to COVID), please use the covid@giacademy.org e-mail.  If you need immediate assistance try to reach a team member at 404-990-3844.  Keep in mind that there are times of the day when the office staff is busy with calls and either morning or afternoon procedures.

COVID Notification (from Genesis)

Notification guidance from the Department of Public Health has been evolving. The current guidance suggests that we notify the following:

• A parent of a positive scholar
• A staff member who tests positive
• The close contacts of a person who tests positive
• The parents of scholars in a classroom of someone who tested positive

What may tell each contact something different, depending on the circumstances.  What is important to note is that we will not be informing parents of a scholar who may have been near an infected scholar of another class. Again, we will inform close contacts (in the same class or not) and those in the classroom (close contact or not). This is slightly different than what we were doing previously.

Safety Precautions

• Scholars are in the same group in the same room (with rare exceptions) to minimize possible spread
• Please make sure your scholar has a mask that fits. An N95 mask provides the best protection.
• Outdoor transmission is very rare, but we still expect scholars to wear masks outdoors unless they are properly distanced.
• Thank you parents for sending water for your scholar (and their classmates). Hands-free water dispensers are still on hold due to supply chain delays.

Virtual Learning

There are many comments and questions about virtual learning.  I have stated that we are unfortunately not staffed to provide both virtual and in-person instruction at the same time.  Some districts (and one school that I am aware of) have separate virtual schools. There are also specialized virtual schools. But the majority of our parents want in-person learning and much of our effort has gone into making that model as safe and effective as possible.

It is important to note that virtual instruction is different than providing work through virtual platforms.  We still intend to provide work assignments through on-line platforms (either asynchronously or to supplement in-class instruction).  However, we are not planning to have a full schedule of virtual classes in which a teacher and the class are all on Zoom alongside a full in-person teaching schedule.

We are hoping to roll out an opportunity for sick/quarantined scholars to “Zoom” into the classroom. But as I noted that is not a true virtual instruction model (the teacher would be focused on those in the classroom while scholars will be observing from home with limited interaction).

We will consider going to a full virtual model if increasing COVID numbers indicate that to be the best strategy.

Thank you!

Gavin Samms, Ph.D. // Head of Schools & CEO

Dear Genesis Family,

We continue to ask for and thank you for your patience as we work through smoothing out various processes at the beginning of the school year.  Teachers spent much of their time the first week on routines, culture, and assessments. That will continue this coming week, though instruction will be more rigorous as well. Also, we are refining our COVID-19 protocols to align with the most recent CDC guidelines (see below).  We know that COVID-19 makes this is a difficult time for all of us. We apologize for any delays or problems that you experience as a result of the adjustments we have to make in these uncertain times.  Nothing is normal but we will continue to press forward. There are several updates below that we need you to read through and ask questions about if needed. 

COVID-19 Protocols Part 1: Parent Feedback – We are proceeding with in-person learning but are watching the numbers closely.  If cases and hospitalizations increase among young people, returning to virtual learning is a serious consideration.  Again, we are not there yet.  We are proceeding with in-person learning but we want to get a better idea of parents’ opinions.  I want to reassure you that we have used past survey data to guide our decisions – your opinion matters. We also need your response to whether you consent to have your scholar(s) tested for COVID at school.  Please fill out the Fall 21 Reopening Parent Survey to help us better plan for our families.

COVID-19 Protocols Part 2: Masks – In general, we are pleased that our scholars are showing up with masks and a willingness to wear them.  However, we do have some scholars showing up without masks.  Please make sure your scholar has a mask. That is the best protection we have for our scholars and staff. We will provide a mask if a scholar does not have one, but we are not prepared to provide every scholar a mask every day as a regular practice. We appreciate your cooperation.

COVID-19 Protocols Part 3: Reporting / Contact Tracing – If a scholar (or any member of the scholar’s household) tests positive, please send an e-mail to covid@giacademy.org. Please include the scholar’s name, grade, and homeroom teacher (if known), and the scholar’s status (tested positive, in a home with a diagnosed person, etc.).  A member of the Genesis team will follow up with the family, administration, and teachers on next steps. If your scholar is in close contact with a scholar who was diagnosed with COVID, we will reach out to you with next steps.  In general, all families should be prepared to quarantine their scholar(s) in these situations and wait for further instructions.  Please review the CDC definition of “Close Contact” (after clicking the link, scroll down to Appendix A - Glossary Section).

COVID-19 Protocols Part 4: Scholar Work – If your scholar has to quarantine for any period of time, please make sure you reach out to the homeroom teacher to help you get work assignments (and connect you to all of your scholar’s teachers).  If you have difficulty connecting with teachers please reach out to our Executive Directors. Contact information is below.

• Elementary (K-5) – Ms. Renetta Dees (rdees@giacademy.org)
• Middle School (6-8) – Dr. Crystal LaVoulle (clavoulle@giacademy.org)
• High School (9 and up) – Mr. Tracy DuBose (tdubose@giacademy.org)

After-Care: Pick Up Changes – If your scholar is signed up to go to aftercare they will be sent there each day. If you need to make a change for a particular day you must communicate that to Global Tech and to the homeroom teacher.  Please note that we are not able to dismiss scholars from after-care to the car line. Parents have to park and sign their scholar out of after-care (which is difficult during regular dismissal times, thus pick up from aftercare should occur after the second dismissal)

Car Lane Part I: Arrival – In general, morning arrival is going better and most of our families are arriving on time! Please be aware of the following to help the process go even better:

• Scholars are technically late if they get to their classroom at 8:01 a.m. or after
• Please prepare your scholars to leave the car quickly (get book bags and lunches together, seat belts unbuckled, etc.)
• Only let your scholars out of the car after a staff member checks their temperature (roll down windows, if possible).
• If you arrive after 8:00 a.m. and no staff member is in the car lane, you must escort your scholar into the building to sign them in.
• Please watch your speed in the car lane for everyone’s safety (by law, we have to report speeding to the authorities).

Car Lane Part 2: Dismissal – As a reminder, dismissal times are:

• Grades K-4 – Dismissal begins at 2:45 p.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m.
• Grades 5 and up – Dismissal begins at 3:45 p.m. and ends at 4:30 p.m.

Parents picking up for the first dismissal (grade K-4) should arrive between 2:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Parents arriving for second dismissal (grade 5 and up) should arrive between 3:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Car Lane Part 3: Numbers/Cards – The Silent Dismissal Cards (with dismissal numbers) have been sent home with scholars and through e-mail. If you have not received your Silent Dismissal card/number, reach out to your Academy Dean:

• Girls Dean of Students: Ms. Taryn Rice (trices@giacademy.org)
• Boys Dean of Students: Mr. Eddie Lovett (elovett@giacademy.org)

Car Lane Part 4: Arrival and Departure Routes – We are asking parents to help us keep traffic moving with the following strategies:

• Approach/Arrive at Genesis from the west – Arrive at Genesis from the Boulevard end of Custer (whether you are coming in the morning or the afternoon) to minimize the traffic back up on Moreland.
• When leaving, turn left if possible – Those who travel south on Moreland toward I-285 may find it easier to turn left to Benteen, then go left to McDonough, then turn left again to Moreland.
• Turn left when directed to do so – If the traffic has backed up, the attending police officer or staff member may have to direct cars to turn left even if they prefer not to. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, and we will only ask when absolutely necessary.

Early Dismissal – Due to a need to keep traffic flowing during dismissal and because of limited parking, early dismissal pick-ups must occur before 2:15 p.m. This applies to all grades.  We can not dismiss upper school scholars during the lower school dismissal.

Sibling Care – Genesis offers free “sibling care” to parents who have a scholar in grades K-4 AND a scholar in grades 5 and up.  Scholars in sibling care will be allowed to wait with a designated teacher until the older sibling is released during second dismissal.  K-4 parents must let their scholar’s homeroom teacher know if they will need sibling care.  Any scholar who is not signed up for sibling care, and who is not picked up by 3:30 p.m., will be sent to the Global Tech after-care program as an emergency drop-in.  There is a fee for Global Tech’s after-care service.  

Uniforms  – We are aware that some families are still waiting for uniform orders. Until you receive your uniform, scholars need to wear an all-white top (polo or collared shirt) and dark slacks/pants. Girls may also wear a dark skirt. Jeans are not an option. All scholars must be in full uniform by Labor Day. Also, keep in mind that our dress code does not allow scholars to have unnatural hair colors and that our boys/young men are not allowed to wear earrings. In addition, please pay close attention to shoe color, sock color, and belt requirements. Please see the Dress Code section in the Genesis Handbook or the website uniform page

MAP Testing and Schedules – MAP Testing is being delayed for a week to iron out some technical issues. MAP data is used primarily to assist teachers in identifying learning gaps.  MAP data may affect schedules for certain grades.  We will finalize those schedules that will not be affected by MAP data as soon as possible. Core instruction will proceed as normal without delay.

If you have questions, please direct them to info@giacademy.org or call 404-990-3844.

Thank you and have a great day and a blessed week!

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Gavin Samms, Ph.D. // Head of Schools & CEO

404-990-3844 (O) // 404-990-3844 (F)

1049 Custer Ave SE // Atlanta, GA 30316

CCRPI Outperformers, 2019

Georgia Rewards School, 2019

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Genesis Families-

Today is our first day of dismissal during inclement weather. We thank all of you ahead of time for your patience and flexibility as we make it work!!!

A few updates about arrival and dismissal each day:

ARRIVAL:

• Scholars can arrive on campus daily as early as 7:15 AM
• Please make sure that your scholars are awake, out of their seatbelts, with all belongings in hand when they arrive to the front of the car lane line each morning
• Scholars should remain in their cars until a staff member opens the door or asks them to exit
• Morning car lane ends at 8AM. Scholars who arrive after the staff has gone inside will need to be escorted in by an adult and signed in late via the main office

DISMISSAL:

• EARLY SCHOOL dismissal begins at 2:45 PM each day
• Please do not arrive on campus and begin to lineup for EARLY SCHOOL dismissal until after 2:30 PM
• UPPER SCHOOL & HIGH SCHOOL dismissal begins at 3:45 PM each day
• Please do not arrive on campus and begin to lineup for UPPER SCHOOL & HIGH SCHOOL dismissal until after 3:30
• If you have a scholar(s) in EARLY SCHOOL and in UPPER SCHOOL/HIGH SCHOOL your younger scholar can remain with his/her teacher for SIBLING CARE until the second dismissal begins @ 3:45. You do not have to come thru the car lane both times. However, older siblings WILL NOT be dismissed early during the LOWER SCHOOL dismissal
• AFTER CARE pick-ups do not begin until after 4:30 PM. If your scholar is in After Care please do not enter the car lane area until after 4:30. We cannot accommodate parking for after care parents until this time

GENERAL:

• Please make sure that passenger doors are unlocked so that the car lane staff can easily access and assist the scholars with getting in and out of the cars
• Please remain in your car and please do not call scholars from the curb to come to you, without an adult to assist them
• It is essential that everyone driving is very cautious and aware of the scholars as they enter the car lanes. SAFETY FIRST!
• Please adhere to the 5MPH speed limit while on campus
• Please pack your patience and be courteous to the car lane staff and GIA staff helping with traffic. We are all doing our best to get our scholars in and out of the building as quickly and safely as we can.

Together we can!

GIA ADMIN