Georgia Cyber Academy Elementary School Handbook
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2018-2019
Georgia Cyber Academy
Elementary School Handbook
Updated: August 8, 2018
The handbook sets forth general guidance for parents and students enrolled in Georgia Cyber Academy
Elementary School. Georgia Cyber Academy is a charter school and is subject to rules and regulations of
all Georgia public schools. Charter school guidelines for Georgia Cyber Academy are available online at
http://public.doe.k12.ga.us . A copy of the District handbook is posted on the Georgia Cyber Academy
Online School (OLS) and school website at http://gca.k12.com . Welcome to Georgia Cyber Academy!
WELCOME LETTER FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Dear GCA Elementary Families,
Welcome to the 2018-2019 school year! This will be my fourth year serving as principal of our
elementary school. I am humbled to work alongside our staff and families in providing the best
educational experience possible for students.
What an exciting time to be a part of our dynamic school! We are honored that your family chose us as a
schooling option for your student. GCA is focused on student achievement and building a strong
community among our faculty, students, and families. We provide students and families the support
needed to be successful in our virtual environment. Our team approach, working with parents and
learning coaches, helps ensure student success. Thank you in advance for working with us and being a
part of our team.
Georgia Cyber Academy is the first and largest virtual school in the state of Georgia. Our elementary
school is the largest in the state and will serve over 4,000 students this year. Georgia Cyber Academy
improves each year and continues to be an innovator in the field of virtual education.
The Elementary School Handbook provides critical information in a single resource. Please contact your
assigned Family Success Liaison for additional questions. For more information about our school, please
visit us online at http://gca.k12.com/.
Remember GCA Elementary School Champions don’t just fly, WE SOAR!
Sincerely,
Maria Waters, Eds.
Elementary School Principal
mwaters@gacyber.org
2ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTORY
Maria Waters, Elementary School Principal Wendy James, 3rd Grade Lead Teacher
mwaters@gacyber.org wjames@gacyber.org
Ext. 212 Ext. 346
Ingrid Bailey, Assistant Administrator, Academics Shali Harville, 4th Grade Lead Teacher
inbailey@gacyber.org sharville@gacyber.org
Ext. 930 Ext. 2262
Trina Weaver, Assistant Administrator, Operations Brianne Carter, 5th Grade Lead Teacher
tweaver@gacyber.org bcarter@gacyber.org
Ext. 510 Ext. 2249
Holly Witcher, Assistant Administrator, Special Stacy Clendenen, 5th Grade Lead Teacher
Programs sclendenen@gacyber.org
hwitcher@gacyber.org Ext. 1021
Ext. 412
Janet Wheeler, 5th Grade Lead Teacher
Daniel Keiger, School Achievement and Data jwheeler@gacyber.org
Coordinator Ext. 409
dakeiger@gacyber.org
Ext. 467 Tameka McCrae-Edgecombe, Elementary Counselor
Email: TBD
Lauren Holmes, Special Education Lead Teacher Ext. TBD
lholmes@gacyber.org
Ext. 304 Kim Boyd, ES FASL Referral Manager
kboyd@gacyber.org
Stephanie Murphy, Special Education Lead Teacher Ext 640
Stmurphy@gacyber.org
Ext. 967 Janet Wheeler, ES Advanced Learner Contact
jwheeler@gacyber.org
Taylor Loyd, Kindergarten Lead Teacher Ext. 409
taloyd@gacyber.org
Ext. 2166 Sharon Crossman, ES English Learner Teacher
scrossman@gacyber.org
Karen Miller, 1st Grade Lead Teacher Ext. 721
kmiller@gacyber.org
Ext. 2307 Roxane Day, ES 504-SST Coordinator
jwright@gacyber.org
Elizabeth Rose, 2nd Grade Lead Teacher Ext. 436
erose@gacyber.org
Ext. 387 Barbara Stevens, ES Family Resource Coordinator
bstevens@gacyber.org
Aleks Berry, 3rd Grade Lead Teacher Ext. 971
aberry@gacyber.org
Ext. 308 Kristy Howard, ES Family Engagement Coordinator
khoward@gacyber.org
Ext. 1098
3GEORGIA CYBER ACADEMY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL – ACADEMIC CALENDAR 2018-19
August 10, 2018 First Day of School
August 13 – 17, 2018 NWEA MAP and Pre-Assessments
September 3, 2018 Labor Day (GCA Holiday)
September 20-September 24-26, 2018 Interim Assessment 1
October 8, 2018 Columbus Day (GCA Holiday)
November 4, 2018 Daylight Savings Time
November 19 - 23, 2018 Thanksgiving Break (GCA Holiday)
November 26-November 29, 2018 Interim Assessment 2
December 4-5, 2018 Staff Professional Development*
December 10 – 14, 2018 MAP Assessment (K-5th)
December 10 – 14, 2018 Winter End of Course (EOC) Georgia Milestones Testing*
December 20, 2018 End of First Semester
December 21, 2018 - January 2, 2019 Winter Break (GCA Holiday)
January 3-4, 2019 Staff Professional Development (Student Holiday)
January 7, 2019 Students Return & Beginning of Second Semester
January 21, 2019 Martin Luther King Jr. Day (GCA Holiday)
February 4 - 7, 2019 Interim Assessment 3
February 18, 2019 President’s Day (GCA Holiday)
March 10, 2019 Daylight Savings Time
March 21, March 25-27, 2019 Interim Assessment 4
April 1 - 5, 2019 Spring Break (GCA Holiday)
April 15 - 18, 2019 Staff Professional Development*
April 22 - 26, 2019 Georgia Milestones End of Grade (EOG)*
April 29 - May 3, 2019 Georgia Milestones End of Course (EOC)*
May 6 - 17, 2019 MAP Assessment (K-5th)
May 13- 17, 2019 Post – Assessments (K-2nd)
May 24, 2019 Last Day of School
*When teachers are out of the office for outings, professional development, state testing, or any other
event for which there has been prior notice, students are to follow the instructional schedule that is
provided on their Monthly Instructional Calendar (MIC).
4Learning Coach, I Understand and Agree Statements
Purpose is to set expectations for GCA parents and students. Students’ success is a primary goal of GCA
and that can only be achieved if you, the parent and the Learning Coach, are successful. It is important
that parents of GCA children understand and agree with the following requirements:
I understand that my student is enrolled in a public school with attendance requirements that I am
expected to meet. State requirement is 180 days per year, with a minimum of between 4 ½ -5 ½ hours
per day depending on my child’s grade level. I understand that attendances and absences (excused and
unexcused) are recorded for state reporting purposes and become part of the student’s permanent
record. If a student misses a school day, then they are required to make up the missed time within the
attendance window. Parent will be informed of the attendance window and will be notified before the
window closes. It is my responsibility as a Learning Coach to log attendance daily. Attendance hours
must be logged by the Learning Coach in a timely manner in accordance with GCA procedures and
guidelines. Students who have poor attendance (insufficient hours recorded over time in the system) are
considered excessively absent and may be withdrawn from GCA.
I understand that minimum attendance requirement is 4 ½ hours per day for Kindergarten through 3rd
grade students and 5 ½ hours per day for 3rd through 5th grade students; however, to be successful at
GCA, students may require additional time beyond the minimum requirement. If additional time is
required, this will be communicated by the student’s teacher.
I understand that daily attendance must be confirmed and entered by an adult.
I understand that the Learning Coach and the Student are expected to log into the OLS (online school)
each scheduled school calendar day.
I understand that my elementary school student needs to follow the Monthly Instructional Calendar
(MIC) for their coursework responsibilities. My elementary school student is NOT to follow the Daily
Plan in the Online School (OLS) for coursework responsibilities.
I accept the responsibility to supervise my student in using the K12 curriculum and following the GA
Standards of Excellence. Any other work accomplished by the student is supplemental to, and not in
place of, the K12/GCA curriculum lessons. GCA does not consider it acceptable to leave a student home
alone or unsupervised all day to complete coursework. I am expected to follow the guidance and
support of GCA faculty and staff in implementing the K12/GCA program with my student. Additionally, I
understand that I need to be available to assist my student with daily student lessons, course work, and
ensure active participation in class connect sessions during school operating hours.
I understand that students classified as Beginning or Developing (based on assessment scores) are
required to attend live class connect sessions to receive teacher support. Students who miss class may
be referred to for progressive discipline including a referral to the Academic Review Board and up to
withdrawal from GCA.
I understand that my student needs a working microphone and webcam to complete interim
assessments and NWEA MAP. Students will be assigned to breakout rooms to and will need a working
microphone and webcam to ensure test validity.
5I understand that if my student does not take a reasonable amount of time on assessments, the score
will be invalid, and the student/LC will be contacted for a retake.
I understand and agree that student progress is an expected part of the GCA program, in addition to
the attendance hours logged. Teachers will review progress and consider other factors, including
parental input, when making student advancement decisions. Promotion is based on progress,
achievement, and verification of work completed, not simply attendance.
I understand that public school enrollment includes participation in the required state testing program
and I agree to provide/secure transportation to and from testing when it occurs. My child will fully
participate in all testing at his/her grade level.
I understand that I am required to participate in regularly scheduled conferences with my student’s
teacher(s) and that I will be asked to submit student work assignments regularly. I understand that
Georgia Cyber Academy staff are available on school days between the hours 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. GCA
staff will be available for contact during these hours. I will ensure that a working number is on file with
the school so that GCA may reach me when needed.
I understand that it is my responsibility to secure an Internet Service Provider and a working
computer. It is highly recommended that a broadband connection be used instead of dial up. Refer to
the school policy as described in the district handbook.
I understand that GCA is a full-time public-school program, and that my student may not be enrolled in
any other full-time or part-time public, private, religious or charter school.
I understand and agree that my child will review the contents of the Acceptable Use Guidelines and
Student Code of Conduct in the GCA District Handbook.
I have reviewed the GCA District Handbook and the GCA Elementary School Handbook Addendum. I
understand the procedures and policies of GCA.
6CLASSES
Online School (OLS):
The OLS is your main point of entry into the online schooling environment. Learning Coaches log in with
Learning Coach Account to access lesson guides, check student progress and log daily attendance.
Students log in with Student Account to access and complete assignments issued on the Monthly
Instructional Calendar (MIC), access student email, and attend classes on the Class Connect Schedule.
Blackboard Collaborate Launcher:
A software application that provides a convenient and reliable way to access Class Connect sessions and
recordings. The initial download may take time, it is recommended to install the Launcher at least one
day before scheduled sessions. Visit the Blackboard Collaborate Launcher for Class Connect K12 Help
Topic for download links and more information.
Blackboard Collaborate (BBC):
An online collaboration tool available to teachers and students, which allows for synchronous class
meetings where both can participate in two-way audio, text messaging, a shared whiteboard, polling,
and more. This is the virtual classroom where students will interact with teachers and participate with
live instruction. All classes are recorded if students need to review the lesson. Recordings are available
in the Class Connect Schedule of the Online School (OLS) on the date the class occurred.
1:1 or Small Group Class:
Individual to small group sessions provided for students to receive targeted instruction from teachers.
Sessions are required for students to attend. All students will be invited to classes at various times
throughout the school year. However, some students will be invited to attend more frequently based on
needs and data. Sessions may consist of conferencing, instruction, enrichment, intervention, and/or
remediation opportunities.
ASSIGNMENTS
Monthly Instructional Calendar (MIC):
Monthly Instructional Calendar outlines all student required assignments and assessments for the
month in all content areas (Math, Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies). Monthly Instructional
Calendars are emailed to families and available on http://gca.k12.com/ under Our Curriculum,
Elementary School, and found student’s grade level tab. Elementary school students are only to
complete assignments on the MIC, NOT the Daily Plan in the Online School (OLS).
OLS (Online School) Lessons:
Lessons are preset by K12 curriculum. OLS lessons are assigned on the MIC (Monthly Instructional
Calendar) to align with the Georgia Standards of Excellence and to align with standards teachers are
teaching that day/week.
MIC Graded Assignments (MGA):
Teacher created assignments (such as USA Test Prep, Stride, Portfolios, and Ticket Out the Doors).
Assignments are aligned to the Georgia Standards of Excellence and are generally standards that are not
covered thoroughly in the OLS (Online School) lessons.
7K-2 Portfolios:
Portfolios are teacher created Extended Activities that help inform student learning in English Language
Arts (ELA) in September and in March. ELA teachers will discuss the assignments during class connect
sessions. Portfolios are reviewed by teachers to provide targeted instruction in small groups.
Interim Assessments:
Interim assessments are given at the end of an instructional cycle. It includes topics that were taught
during that instructional cycle. Interim assessment help teachers evaluate and monitor student
performance.
• Administered during regular class time
• Students assigned to breakout rooms
• Students should have webcam & microphone on
• Teachers will monitor
• 504 or IEP accommodations required will be provided
• If assessment is not taken in a reasonable amount of time/failed, score will be invalid, and
student/ LC will be contacted for a retake
• If the student misses the class session, he/ she will be assigned a make-up a during small group
session, 1:1 session, or learner conference
• If not taken within the scheduled week, a zero is earned
• Students who have earned full flexibility based on academic performance will not be required to
complete assessments in class.
MAP Assessments:
MAP Growth is a computer adaptive test created by NWEA that students take three times per school
year. Results provide teachers with information to help determine each student’s academic growth over
time. Test adjusts to each student’s learning level, providing a unique set of test questions based on
student responses to previous questions. As the student responds to questions, the test responds to the
student, adjusting up or down in difficulty. MAP Growth helps parents and teachers understand what a
child is ready to learn at any point in time. Teachers can review the progress of individual students and
their class. It is crucial that students complete the NWEA MAP assessment independently without
learning coach assistance.
• Administered during class time following the MAP Schedule provided by the school
• Students assigned to breakout rooms
• Students should have webcam & microphone on
• Teachers will monitor
• 504 or IEP accommodations required will be provided
• If assessment is not taken in a reasonable amount of time/failed, score will be invalid, and
student/ LC will be contacted for a retake
• If the student misses the class session, he/ she will be assigned a make-up a during small group
session, 1:1 session, or learner conference
• If not taken within the scheduled week, a zero is earned
• Students who have earned full flexibility based on academic performance will not be required to
complete assessments in class.
8GRADING INFORMATION
Infinite Campus:
Infinite Campus will be used for final grade reporting, transcripts and Individualized Learning Plan (ILP)
data. Parents can access the Infinite Campus parent portal by following the directions to create an
account. Contact your student’s Family Success Liaison should you need assistance.
How to access the Parent Portal of Infinite Campus:
Video Directions
Print Directions
Log In Screen
Elementary Grading Structure:
Our mission is to provide an exemplary individualized and engaging educational experience for all
students by incorporating school and community/family partnerships coupled with a rigorous curriculum
within a data-driven and student-centered instructional model. Student success will be measured by
valid and reliable assessment data and continued institutional growth within the academic community.
School grading structure encompasses multiple methods of learning that can include (are not limited to)
student assessments in online school, teacher-graded assignments, interim assessments, and
participation.
K through 5TH ELECTIVE GRADES:
The following courses are not teacher led. Learning Coaches are responsible for working through these
courses with their student and updating the appropriate attendance. All are required except for foreign
language.
• PE: 60 attendance hours
• HEALTH: 30 attendance hours
• ART: All students will complete their grade level art curriculum with at least 70% of the course
being completed to pass the course.
*Note: The above expectations are adjusted based on student enrollment date.
Class Engagement Compliance:
Students will be held accountable for attending live class connect sessions based on instructional level.
Students classified as Beginning or Developing (based on their assessment scores) are required to attend
live class connect sessions to receive teacher support. All new students are classified as Beginning unless
records from a previous school indicates otherwise.
Recordings are provided to all students for review. LIVE attendance is the expectation for all students.
Flexibility is earned at the proficient and distinguished levels. Students who miss class may be referred
for progressive discipline including a referral to the Academic Review Board and up to withdrawal from
GCA. If you have an emergency that conflicts with a required class session, it is imperative that you
contact the teacher as soon as possible. This refers to students classified as Beginning or Developing.
To reduce absences, families are asked to schedule appointments around required classes. Please
communicate special circumstances to your Family Success Liaison (FSL) and your teacher.
9All students will be grouped by instructional level, to ensure that students receive the appropriate level
and type of instruction needed for their individual needs.
Instructional Groups
Advanced
Proficient
Developing
Beginning
Students will be scheduled for targeted small group instructional sessions and one-on-one sessions.
Look for these on your class connect schedule.
Mandatory Benchmark/Growth/Summative Assessment Participation:
Students are monitored for their completion of all mandatory tests, including but not limited to Pre-
Test, NWEA MAP, DIBELS, Interim Benchmarks, GKIDS, etc. THESE EXAMS ARE MANDATORY.
Students are graded for mastery of specific standards during each instructional cycle. Students have the
school year to show mastery of standards, Monthly Instructional Calendar (MIC) assignments are
expected to be completed by the due date. Monthly Instructional Calendar (MIC) assignments will
include Online School (OLS) lessons, MIC graded assignments (MGAs), Portfolios, and Interim
Assessments.
Kindergarten Grading:
Kindergarten grades are determined by students acquiring a proficient understanding of mastery-based
standards -Students receive a final grade of Pass (P) or Fail (F) for each standard.
Students are monitored for adherence to their individualized Class Engagement Requirements.
Students are monitored for completion of all mandatory tests, including but not limited to Pre-Test,
NWEA MAP, DIBELS, Interim Benchmarks, GKIDS, etc. THESE EXAMS ARE MANDATORY.
Kindergarten Grading Scale:
Mastery based standards will be used to determine a final grade of Pass (P) or Fail (F)
Level 1: Beginning
Level 2: Developing
Level 3: Proficient
Level 4: Distinguished
NA: Not Yet Assessed
C: Complete
I: Incomplete
Kindergarten Report Card Key:
10Kindergarten Late Work:
Students are graded for mastery of specific standards during each instructional cycle. Students have the
school year to show mastery of standards, MIC assignments are expected to be completed by the due
date. Any missing or late MIC assignments will be graded as Level 1 (Does Not Meet) until completed. If
MIC assignments are not completed by the last day of the school year, the student will receive a Level 1
(Does Not Meet) for that standard. Failure to complete MIC assignments may result in a grade of “Fail”
for that content area for the school year. Grades of Pass or Fail for ELA, Math, Social Studies, Science,
Health and PE are reported to the Georgia Department of Education at the end of the school year.
1st through 5th Grading:
Students are graded for mastery of specific standards during each instructional cycle. Students have the
school year to show mastery of standards, Monthly Instructional Calendar (MIC) assignments are
expected to be completed by the due date. Monthly Instructional Calendar (MIC) assignments will
include Online School (OLS) lessons, MIC graded assignments (MGAs), Portfolios, and Interim
Assessments. Students in Grades K-5 will have three attempts to pass quizzes in the OLS and be invited
to a small group or one on one session for additional support.
1st through 5th Grades:
• OLS Coursework 20% - curriculum lessons, quizzes, checkpoints, etc.
• MIC Graded Assignments 25% – MIC assignments, other than OLS lessons
• Extended OLS Coursework/MIC Activities 10% – portfolio work, projects, papers, essays,
presentations, labs, etc.
• Reinforcement/Review Assignments 10% - USA Test Prep Assignments, Review Activities,
Keenville, NWEA Student Dashboards, Study Guides, etc.
• Class Engagement Compliance 10% - Student is adhering to their individualized Class
Engagement Requirements
• Assessments 15% - Unit Tests, Teacher-created Assessments, Last Interim Assessment of each
Semester counts for grade, STRIDE, etc.
• Mandatory Benchmark/Growth/Summative Assessment Participation 10% - Pre-Test, MAP,
DIBELS, Interim Benchmarks, Post Test, EOG, etc. THESE EXAMS ARE MANDATORY -THIS
SECTION GIVES CREDIT/INCENTIVE FOR PARTICIPATION
1st through 5th Grading Scale:
Final grades are reported numerically based on the following grading scale:
A: 90 - 100
B: 80 - 89
C: 70 - 79
F: 69 and below
111st through 5th Late Work:
MGAs (MIC Graded Assignments) are assigned within each grading cycle and due by the due date.
Content teachers will send out reminders, advertise in class, and the dates will be included on the MIC.
• MGAs (MIC Graded Assignments) - grading window is closed at 4:00 on the last day of the
grading cycle. A zero will be entered for incomplete assignments.
• OLS (Online School Lessons) - cumulative and updated during after each grading cycle
• INTERIM ASSESSMENTS – grading window is closed at 4:00 on due date. A zero will be entered
for incomplete.
Kindergarten through 5th Extra Credit:
Extra Credit opportunities are at teacher’s discretion. Any extra credit opportunity provided will be given
to the entire class, not to individual students. Examples may include items such as:
• Review/Study Guide
• Project
• Essay
• Participation
• Re-open and replace an MGA (MIC Graded Assignment)
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL COUNSELING & SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL LEARNING
Counseling Program:
GCA’s Elementary School Counseling Program will focus on supporting students in the areas of
academic, social-emotional, and career education. Goal is to empower students with confidence, self-
awareness, good relationships, and the social skills to be successful in every area of life. Elementary
School Counseling program will provide early intervention, prevention, and support initiatives.
GCA’s Elementary School Counseling Program will work with other school supports to provide
preventive K-12 school wide initiatives such as the Red Ribbon Campaign, Anti-Bullying, Great Kindness
Challenge, and Career Day. Activities will engage students to promote healthy decisions and personal-
emotional growth opportunities.
Core Essentials Character Education Program:
Core Essentials character education program will involve the entire school community including
students, teachers, and families. Values set the stage for a common language to be used across the
entire school community. Each month, videos, activities and lessons will center on a value word and its
accompanying definition (or application). Values will reinforce three big ideas: how to treat others right,
make smart decisions, and maximize their potential.
Whole Group Classroom Guidance:
Classroom Guidance lessons will be provided to students in grades K-5 and will cover self-esteem topics,
career education, and Growth Mindset lessons and activities. Sessions will be held in class connect and
be provided on a rotation schedule. Sessions will promote personal and social-emotional growth, career
exploration, and teach a growth mindset to students. Students will understand that they can get smarter
through hard work, good strategies, and an “I Can” attitude.
Small Group Classroom Guidance:
12School counseling program will offer intervention through small groups or individual support for
students who are academically or emotionally struggling due to grief, anxiety, divorce, or social issues.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL RESOURCES AND SUPPORT
Counseling Program – Elementary School Counselor, Tameka McCrae-Edgecombe
There are many opportunities for elementary students to participate in the counseling program through
grade specific career awareness sessions, character education assemblies, and small group or individual
support sessions. Counseling also provides student support through such issues as grief and loss or
bullying, etc.
Family Resource Coordinator (FRC) – Elementary School FRC, Barbara Stevens
Goal of the FRC is to provide social support, emotional support, and resources to provide holistic
educational support for the student and the family. Family Resource Coordinator (FRC) assists the
student and the family experiencing critical, non-academic issues that may require outside or
community support. FRC will serve as the liaison between home, school, and community by identifying
and linking the family to the necessary resources.
Family Engagement Coordinator (FEC) – Elementary School FEC, Kristy Howard
FECs are liaisons between the teachers, staff and the community, working with all departments at GCA
to provide the best support to Learning Coaches to meet high academic standards as a part of the GCA
Parent and Family Engagement Policy. Vision for Family Engagement is to facilitate all parents and
Learning Coaches toward becoming active partners in the education of their child, to feel supported and
empowered by GCA staff, and be connected to other GCA families and the GCA community to guide
their child toward academic success.
Academic Resources:
Kindergarten – 5th grade academic resources can found under the Elementary School tab on the
http://gca.k12.com/ website and is also at this link: http://gca.k12.com/curriculum/elementary-
home.html Grade level specific resources will be available on Kindergarten through 5th grade’s individual
tabs of the webpage. Go to http://gca.k12.com/, to Our Curriculum, Elementary School, Grade Levels,
and select your student’s grade level.
GCA Resource Room provides families with useful, interesting, inspiring and engaging supplemental
educational content. Resource room hosts over 50 different boards including grade level content,
counseling resources, special education, typing, work spaces, and much more. GCA Resource Room can
be found at: https://www.pinterest.com/gcaresourceroom/
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