High Flyin' Reader

Congratulations Abigail B, our featured High Flyin’ Reader for the month of February! 

She’s earned her wings for 3 months in a row!  She’s soaring high! 

Reading used to frustrate Abigail.  She’s non-verbal and that impacted her ability to enjoy books.  According to her mother, that’s all changed.  Listening and reading books, especially her favorite Little Einsteins stories, has helped Abigail gain verbal language skills!  She uses stories to script and communicate.  

During her 3rd grade class, Ms. Silva reports that you can generally count on a few things:  Abigail is usually outside, full of energy, and ready to share whatever Reggie, her service dog, is doing.  Abigail is quick to participate in class, whether it’s identifying colors or drawing on their teacher’s nose!  Yes!  They draw on their teachers’ faces in class!  Things are always lively in Ms. Silva’s classroom.

Ms. Silva, an elementary teacher in the LIFE department, has a background as a media specialist and she’s brought her expertise to her classroom.  Ms. Silva has collected numerous books and posted them all on the classroom’s own virtual library.   Abigail loves choosing her own story during reading time.  It’s only rivaled by her favorite class warm-up song: Professor Alpha’s Alphabet Rap!

This active student doesn’t just stay busy in the classroom either!  During Community Day, she volunteered at a local food bank.  Additionally, she loves swinging, riding in the car, driving bulldozers, and riding horses.  

Keep reading, High Flyer!

Congratulations to Avery S, January’s Featured High Flyin’ Reader!  

Avery is a 6th grader in Ms. Richardson’s class.  This is her first year at GCA!  Her favorite thing about GCA is seeing her friends on camera and talking to them.  Her mother appreciates the LIFE Program’s curriculum.  “Avery is challenged and learning at GCA!”  

One of Avery’s favorite classes this year was in art when she gave a tutorial on how to put on makeup!  Ms. Muhammad, the art teacher, reports that Avery “shined” during her class presentation.  Everyone wants an Avery make-over!  “Avery is a sweetheart,” Ms. Muhammad said.  “Even on bad days, when she’s not feeling well, Avery wants to be in class.  It’s humbling to recognize that a student that has so many health challenges will give so much energy to her class and her friends!”

Avery’s mother agrees.  Avery loves school and classes at GCA, but it’s not easy for her.  She was born with spina bifida.  In her 13 years, she’s had 29 surgeries.  It’s not always easy, but when asked if she wants to come back for another year at GCA, Avery gives an emphatic, “Yes!”

Avery earned her wings by reading or listening to a book at least 3 times a week.  Her favorite thing to read about is animals.  You can earn your wings, too!  Then maybe you’ll meet Avery at Champ’s Hoot Hour Party in February!

Congratulations to Michelle N, our featured High Flyin' Reader for the month of December!  Michelle loves to read picture books about space or animals and is frequently found reading to her stuffed animals. 

Michelle has been at Georgia Cyber Academy since 2017, when she was in 7th grade.  Now, she's in High School! Though Michelle enjoys reading and listening to books, her favorite subject is math.  Michelle's mother credits LIFE Teacher Ms. Pearce with helping Michelle reach and exceed every goal they set.  What makes school so fun for Michelle?  Her mother reports that it's not just Ms. Pearce's fun, engaging lessons!  No, the secret to Michelle's success is to dress up in one of her many costumes to attend class.  Evidently, Michelle has a great sense of humor and a talent for finding joy in everything she does!

In addition to reading, Michelle enjoys playing with her dogs, Max and Katy, playing on her computer, and watching SpongeBob on TV.  She helps around the house, too.  Michelle cooks, folds laundry, and unloads the dishwasher.  Most of all, Michelle loves her family, especially her big brother, Chris. 

Congratulations, Michelle!  And keep reading, High Flyer! 

Charleston is a 7-year-old second-grader in Mrs. McCanless' class. He loves school and seeing the other kids in class. He likes to read books about animals.

In addition to reading, Charleston likes to play games in the ULS. He likes to ride in the car, loves to be outside and he likes to fish! Ms. Collins notes, "Charleston has multiple disabilities. He's non-verbal, vision impaired and non-mobile but HE'S ALWAYS HAPPY WITH THE BIGGEST SMILE IMAGINABLE!"  

Ms. Collins acknowledges Mrs. McCanless' support, saying, "Charleston has a great teacher, we wouldn't even attempt to do this without her."  Mrs. McCanless teaches elementary students in the LIFE program.  She's known for her support of students with vision impairments and multiple disabilities through creativity and the use of assistive technology and classroom accommodations.  She says, "Charleston is a joy to teach.  I love to see him on the camera as his smile lights up my day.  He has worked extremely hard for the past few years learning to use a head switch and can now make choices on his communication tablet using his head switch.  To see him succeed has been very rewarding.  He has a great family who goes above and beyond and works hard to find ways for him to participate as fully as possible in school as well as life.  Great Job Charleston!  Keep Up the Good Work!"