COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

Concern over this new virus can make children anxious.  The National Association of School Psychologists offers the following information for how to talk to your child about COVID-19:

Talking to Children About COVID-19 (Coronavirus): A Parent Resource

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Crisis advice from our Social Workers:

In light of what is going on in our communities, state, country and abroad please know that GCA is here to support you.  We want to remind all staff, students, and families to try and remember NOT to panic.  This may be difficult if you watch the news, and keep up with Social Media, but we have to remember that panicking will not solve the issue.  Below are some tips on how to remain calm during crisis times.

8 Ways to Stay Calm During a Crisis:

1. Slow down. If possible, don't react immediately. 
2. Stay positive. When stressful situations occur, your mind may go in a thousand directions and some of your thoughts may be negative.
3. Never ask “what if?” 
4. Take care of your body by exercising or practicing yoga. 
5. Limit caffeine. 
6. Call a trusted friend or mentor. 
7. Disconnect from watching so much of the News 
8. Develop a coping strategy.

If you would like to get in touch with one of our Social Workers, please notify your FSL.

Should face to face GAA, Milestones EOG, and/or Milestones EOC Assessments be cancelled for the 2020-2021 school year, alternate online end of the year assessments will be provided to measure student growth.

More information will be forthcoming as needed.

Georgia Cyber Academy recognizes the importance of the health and welfare of students, families, and staff.  The following prevention measures will be taken regarding Community Events.

Due to recommendations by the GaDOE and the GaDPH, many event venues have closed operations.  Because of this, all scheduled Community Partner Events are being conducted online.

Please visit the Community Events Calendar for more information and to register for online events. 

Should you have further questions about community events, please contact Tonette Price, tprice@georgiacyber.org

We recommend that families follow all guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding prevention of infectious diseases while attending or considering attending any public event or activity.  This includes:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow or use a tissue to cover it, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Since Community Partner Events are typically held at public venues, we recommend families take all precautions that would be taken when attending any public event that hasn’t been organized by GCA.  Further guidance about infectious disease prevention can be found on the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/

Should you have further questions about community events, please contact Tonette Price, tprice@georgiacyber.org

GCA understands that employers across the state will be taking precautions to ensure the health and safety of all employees. GCA is implementing a temporary release of work requirements (related to their job sites) of students in the Work Based Learning course until March 31st. This protocol change is in alignment with CDC recommendations and guidelines from other entities across the state to ensure the health and safety of our families. 

There may be a change in the course curriculum/assignments in the online classroom to accommodate these changes. Students are still expected to complete all assignments on time, and participate in class. This includes any additional assignments added in light of the changes in work requirements. 

Students with Reduced or No Work Hours

Any student who will be working reduced hours during this time, or who will be unable to work during this time, will not be required to make up those work hours this semester, and this will not affect their grade negatively. We will revisit this protocol in two weeks with an update. 

Students Who Chose to Self-Isolate

Furthermore, we would like to confirm that any student who feels that continuing to work in their current role for Work Based Learning would put them at a health risk, but their employer has not ceased work hours, will be excused from working those hours for the purposes of the Work Based Learning class at GCA. Students who choose to self-isolate will not be required to make up those work hours this semester, and this will not affect their grade negatively. We will revisit this protocol in two weeks with an update. 

Students Who Plan To Continue Working Against CDC Recommendations

Students who continue to work and choose not to abide by the GCA protocol (mentioned above) should be aware that these hours will be counted for course credit, but there is no current requirement for them to work for the purposes of Work Based Learning at GCA, and students who chose to work at this time do so at their own risk.  We will revisit this protocol in two weeks with an update. 

It is the responsibility of the students to share their reduced hours or their decision to isolate themselves with their Work Based Learning Site Supervisor as soon as there is a change in their work hours or schedule. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Erica Butts or Tricia McCoy, and our team will be glad to assist you. 

School districts, working together with local health departments; have an important role in slowing the spread of diseases and protecting vulnerable students and staff, in order to help ensure students have safe and healthy learning environments. During this time, we want you to know that we are committed to the safety and welfare of our students, families, and partners. In doing our part to minimize the risk of exposure to all involved, we will be following guidance from the United States Department of Education (USDOE) in conjunction with the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE).

According to guidance from USDOE, contingent provisions may include the provision of special education and related services at an alternate location such as the provision of online or virtual instruction, instructional telephone calls, and other curriculum-based instructional activities.

As such, we have made the decision to immediately transition all face-to-face, clinic, in-home, and community based related services to an online format.  We are aware that this may not be plausible for all our students and are working to create a plan to address special circumstances.  For those students who are able to access the online format and choose not to participate in the provided virtual service; they may not be eligible for compensatory services at a later date.

In light of this update, case managers and/or related services providers will be contacting you to schedule online services. If you have any questions or concerns regarding these immediate changes, please contact GCA’s Department of Special Education at 404-334-4790 EXT. 2682.

Letter to Families Regarding Related Services