K-5th Grade School Counseling News
November 2026
🎮 LEVEL UP NOVEMBER: THE GRATITUDE QUEST! 🍂
Hello GCA Gamers!
Welcome to November! This month, we’re powering up our hearts and minds with a brand-new character word: GRATITUDE! 💛
Gratitude means being thankful for the people, things, and experiences that make our lives special. Just like collecting coins, stars, and bonus points in a video game, we can collect moments of thankfulness every day!
✨ Your November Mission:
🎮 Level 1: Name three things you are thankful for.
⭐ Level 2: Give someone a shout-out for making your day better.
💛 Level 3: Show kindness to someone and let them know you appreciate them.
🏆 Bonus Level: Write a gratitude note to a friend, family member, teacher, or someone who has helped you!
Remember, gamers, gratitude doesn't have to be BIG to make a BIG impact. A simple “thank you,” a kind word, or a thoughtful action can brighten someone's day!
As we celebrate Thanksgiving, let's remember that the greatest reward isn't winning the game; it's appreciating the people and blessings along the way.
🎯 November Challenge:
Can you find one thing to be thankful for every day this month? Let's see how many gratitude points you can earn!Keep being kind, keep leveling up, and keep spreading gratitude!
With gratitude,
Your K-5 School Counselors 💛
“Gratitude turns what we have into enough.”
You can reach your counselor by calling the main number 404-334-4790 and then dialing the extension beside their name or contacting them via email. Both have been provided for you below.
Mrs. Edgecombe (K-5 Counseling Lead)
Ms. Newman (1st/2nd Grade Counselor)
Mrs. Lowe (3rd/4th Grade Counselor)
Mrs. Hawkins (4th/5th Grade Counselor)
Primary and Elementary School Worker
Ms. Cassandra Doss
Email: cdoss@georgiacyber.org
Phone ext. 12846
I am super excited about the 25-26 school year and working to support you! My virtual office is always open. Please don't hesitate to reach out.
Native American Heritage Month
Native American Hertiage Month takes place every November in the United States. It honors the rich histories, diverse cultures, traditions, and contributions of Indigenous peoples.
Military Family Appreciation Month
Military Family Appreciation Month (also known as National Veterans and Military Families Month) is observed every November to honor the sacrifices, resilience, and daily contributions of military families worldwide
National Career Development Month
Power-Up with Positive Choices
We are going to have a great time this year as we explore careers, build character, and learn skills to help you become the best students you can be and ACE the school year!
** Please understand if your student does not get called on or recognized individually in class, emails are always welcome if your child wants to share something with their school counselor**
Unlock Your Best Self
Character Word of the Month: Gratitude
SAY IT:
Gratitude: Letting others know you see how they’ve helped you
KNOW IT:
ASK A GROWN-UP:
• Who are some people who have helped you the most in your life? How have you shown
them gratitude over the years?
• What are specific ways you have shown gratitude to people other than simply telling them
thank you?
ASK A KID:
• When is the last time you thanked your parents for helping you with your homework, or for
buying you sports equipment, or for taking you to a movie, etc.?
• Who are three people who have helped you? How could you could show them gratitude?
SEE IT:
On YouTube, look up https://youtu.be/T-Shoem_iZg. This video is about Pharrell Williams, a
successful singer-songwriter and producer and how he shows his gratitude to his alma mater
and former teachers.
BE IT:
Choose a day this month to visit your local police station or fire department and deliver a
sweet treat, small gift or handmade thank you note to let those men and women know that
you appreciate all they do to protect and serve your family and community.
Free Your Feels! Georgia crisis line for Georgia youth that need support
Free Your Feels is a mental health awareness campaign encouraging Georgia's young people to explore their real feelings and share them without being afraid.
Interested in raising awareness about youth mental health? This toolkit will help you get started. With social media posts, infographics, and helpful tips, you'll be equipped to start the conversation. Click on the Free Your Feel image to the right to access the toolkit!
The K-5th grade Counselors are sending a big shout out to ALL students celebrating birthday's in November. We are wishing you a very happy day, and a splendid year.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU AND MANY MORE!!!!!!
TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT'S HAPPENING AT GCA.
CLICK THE LINK BELOW FOR MORE GCA EVENTS AND IMPORTANT DATES!
Player Broadcast
Georgia Cyber Academy: www.georgiacyber.org
Parent Calendar: https://www.georgiacyber.org/calendars/parent-calendar
Elementary Counseling Website: https://www.georgiacyber.org/school-life/counseling/k5-counseling
School Counseling Website:
Mission Statement
The mission of the Georgia Cyber Academy’s (GCA) Counseling & Student Support Services Department is to provide a comprehensive program that is accessible to all students and assists students with acquiring the skills, knowledge and attitudes needed to become effective students, responsible citizens, and lifelong learners. The student services program is an integral part of the school’s total program with a commitment to individual uniqueness and the maximum development of human potential. We use a variety of differentiated interventions to ensure each student receives equitable services. The program addresses the personal/social, educational, and career needs and desires of each GCA student . The department’s ultimate goal is for students to graduate with the competencies necessary to be able to make self-directed, realistic, and responsible decisions and to be successful contributors to society.
Vision Statement
Through a holistic approach, the Georgia Cyber Academy Counseling Department will empower all students to reach their highest potential by using a comprehensive school counseling program that promotes academic, career and personal/social development. Our program will foster the growth of each student as a civic minded contributor with their local communities and beyond. Upon graduation, students will be college and/or career ready and will have the competencies necessary to be able to make self-directed, realistic, and responsible decisions to be successful contributors to society.
Belief Statement
The GCA Counseling & Student Support Services believe:
- Students’ ability to learn is dependent upon having their basic needs met.
- All students are unique, and when given a safe, nurturing environment, will succeed to their fullest potential
- All students should have access to a high quality education
- All students have the right to be heard and treated with respect
- Members of our department are advocates for every student
- The services and interventions we provide should be data driven and developmentally appropriate
- Staying abreast of ethical standards and developments within our profession is necessary to effectively serve our students
- Applying the ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors empowers school counselors to make decisions based on the highest moral principles to promote the maximum development of every student