Middle School Counseling Newsletter

October is here, which means Fall has officially arrived! We have plenty of exciting activities and important information to share with you this month, so be sure to keep scrolling to stay in the loop.

Mrs.Terri Sherrard

6th Grade Counselor

Contact Info:

Email: tsherrard@georgiacyber.org

Phone: Ext. 2605

Mrs. Emily Hall

7th Grade Counselor

Contact Info:

Email: ehall@georgiacyber.org

Phone: Ext. 3388

Mrs. Adamika Brown

8th Grade Counselor

Contact Info:

Email: abrown@georgiacyber.org

Ext: 2135

We partner with students, families, and teachers to support every student's academic, social, and emotional success. We are here to help remove barriers to learning, provide guidance through life's challenges, and empower students to reach their full potential.

When Should You Contact Your School Counselor?

We're here to help if you:

• Are experiencing a major life change, such as a parent's divorce, moving to a new home, or the loss of a loved one or pet.
• Feel unsafe at school or at home.
• Need help working through a problem involving school, friendships, or family.
• Simply need someone to listen and support you.
• Have questions or concerns about your class schedule.
• Need assistance with academic planning or goal setting.

How Can You Reach Your Counselor?

There are several ways to connect with us:

• Talk with your teacher.
• Send your counselor an email.
• Reach out to your Family Engagement Liaison (FEL).
• Ask your parent or guardian to contact us on your behalf.

Remember, you are never alone. Your school counselors are here to listen, support, and help you succeed!

Beginning August 11, we will begin our Thrive 55 school counseling sessions on the 2nd and 3rd week of each month during your Personalized Learning (4th Period) time.

You will meet with your counselor one day during each of those weeks. On the day of your meeting, you'll see a link on your schedule to join us.

We look forward to connecting with you and having a great year together! 😊

Hi everyone! My name is Ms. Williams, and I’m super excited to be the MGB School Social Worker this year at Georgia Cyber Academy. Before joining this awesome team, I worked as the Crisis Social Worker for Atlanta Public Schools, helping students through tough times and making sure they had the support they needed.

When I’m not working, I love watching sports—especially Women’s Basketball. I’m a big fan of the Atlanta Dream (GO DREAM!). I also share my home with two silly dogs, Micah and Finn. They spend most of their time taking naps or chasing the opossum that sneaks into our backyard (don’t worry, they never catch it!).

I’m here to support you, listen, and help you be your best self, so don’t be shy, say hi!

Join us for the third and final workshop in our parent series, "Wait...We're in Middle School Now!" The topic is Navigating Middle School Transitions at Home.

Two session options on Zoom:

• 12:00 PM
• 6:00 PM

Missed a workshop? Catch up anytime.
Watch the recordings below, and please complete the attendance link afterward so we know you took part.

Workshop 1: Middle School Transition: What to Expect

• Watch the recording: https://georgiacyber.instructuremedia.com/embed/93c5a7ac-f6fa-423b-9d1a-76886f204332
• Attendance link: https://forms.gle/buquVf3VNpa2oNSi6

Workshop 2: Safety and Technology

• Watch the recording: https://georgiacyber.instructuremedia.com/embed/1a94a196-cb9b-419c-9e34-45918a748cd4
• Attendance link: https://forms.gle/2aMy6bL3JCKVfb626

Since 1922, the NFPA has sponsored the public observance of Fire Prevention Week. In

1925, President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed Fire Prevention Week a national

observance, making it the longest-running public health observance in our country.

During Fire Prevention Week, children, adults, and teachers learn how to stay safe in

case of a fire. Firefighters provide lifesaving public education in an effort to drastically

decrease casualties caused by fires.

Cyberbullying takes place electronically. Electronic technology includes devices and equipment such as cell phones, computers, and tablets as well as communication tools including social media, text messages, chat, and websites. Join us this October in bringing awareness and stopping cyberbullying.

Red Ribbon Week is a time to raise awareness about the dangers of drugs and vaping and encourage students to make healthy, positive choices. For middle school students, it’s an opportunity to learn how substance use can affect their health, friendships, goals, and future. This year’s theme, “Be a Hero,” reminds us that being a hero means having the courage to stand up for yourself, make smart decisions, resist peer pressure, and encourage others to do the same. Remember, real heroes make healthy choices and take charge of their future!

Every hero has the power to make a difference and that includes YOU! Join Georgia Cyber Academy as we celebrate Red Ribbon Week! This year's theme, BE A HERO, reminds us that real heroes make healthy choices, stand up for themselves and others, and choose a drug-free future

Vaping may seem harmless, but it can have serious effects on your brain, lungs, and overall health. This Red Ribbon Week, learn the facts, make informed choices, and take control of your future. Remember, real heroes protect their health and have the courage to say no to vaping!

Peyton H- We recued a cat we nicknamed tangalo, and since we have so many cats, we couldn't take him. So we gave him to my Mimi, and she renamed him tiger. he's a tad bit skittish, but recently when i went over, he totally warmed up to me! He came to me several times a day, asking for cuddles. And every night, even though he didn't always stay there, he sleeps at the foot of my bed!!!!

Judah S- I like building Legos

Joshua M- On Saturday I played a soccer game and scored 8 goals and had 2 assists. My team won 10-9

Cassandra F- I've been to Dragon Con all my life and have met many different people from all over the world. I can also draw really well.

Kameron W- I would like to share that Kameron has been pursuing his passion for acting and has had the opportunity to appear on Grey's Anatomy as a guest star.

Haley D- I got a good phone call from Mrs. Walker to my mom!!

Madison M- I sing with technical skill and emotional expression.

Brian H- I like to do art science.

Maryam K- My friend came back and I finally met her after 3-4 years. I can't believe it's been that long! We went to get boba, crumble, went to the park, and went to Walmart. It was the best thing that happened.

Daniella.W- I've coded websites from scratch using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. :3

Marlyn V. Hi. My name is Marlyn. And I'm in the 8th grade. i play the drums, and I'm in a band so that's pretty fun.

Xavier L- I love Lego vacuum engines tornado sirens gaming music and martial arts ( I'm a black belt in Taekwondo i have built a v4 Lego vacuum engine with a vet and I have made Lego tornado Sirens With a 6/3 Port ratio 6 Port ratio And a 4/2 Ports ratio ) These are my favorite topics.

Elias P- i want to challenge the principal to a gimkit game.

Mackenzie M- I got student of the month for all February and March for Math last year and i got a T shirt and I was asked by the Principal to be put on GCA website!

Jada K- I will be singing at church soon

Angela K- This year I am on A honor roll

Karsen J- I've hit world class dead lift for my age group that not even adults have it which is 405lbs

Honey F- I decided I'm GOING TO SPELMAN

Jaya G- I'm getting better at drawing and I'm starting my own comic of my friends to show my appreciation for them :))

September: 28-October 2- Interim Assessment Testing (IA's)

October: 5-9 - Write Score

October: 9- Asynchronous Day

October: 12- 13- Fall Break

October: 14-16, 20, 22-23 Counseling (Thrive 55) Sessions

October: 21- Community Day

Join us on Community Day, Wednesday, October 21, for fun in-person events. Regular scheduled classes are cancelled so you have the option to attend our Community Day events in-person or you can choose to have fun on your own on Community Day.

Family Engagement Liaison (FEL)- Enrolled families should email or call their Family Engagement Liaison (FEL) as their school point of contact for questions and support. Middle Grades 6-8: 404.334.4790 ext.5

Enrollment questions or issues: 470-400-7887 or enrollment@georgiacyber.org

Enrolled students should email or call their teacher(S) as their point of contact for course-specific questions and support.

1.For Google password resets or program issues in Canvas, Class, Clever, Infinite Campus and more, visit the Student & Family Help Center

2.Change the heading Attendance to Compliance

3.Your Compliance Specialist helps with all attendance and compliance concerns. Contact information for your Compliance Specialist can be found in Infinite Campus. Click here to learn more.

Student records requests: Records or records@georgiacyber.org

If you speak another language, language assistance services are available free of charge. Email Mayra Ramirez- mramirez@georgiacyber.org

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL OF OUR STUDENTS CELEBRATING A BIRTHDAY IN THE MONTH OF OCTOBER!!!!!!

As a Reminder: Make sure you attend all required classes. Please log in on time, turn your camera's on and remain in class. If you have any questions regarding your time, please contact your Attendance Specialist.

1. Participate in Class
2. Ask Questions
3. Stay Organized
4. Take Good Notes
5. Keep Track of Important Dates
6. Create a Study Routine
7. Prioritize Homework
8. Do Your Homework
9. Have all your study materials.
10. Find a quiet place

GCA Website:

https://www.georgiacyber.org/

Parent Calendar:

https://www.georgiacyber.org/calendars/parent-calendar

Middle School Calendar:

https://www.georgiacyber.org/calendars/middle-calendar

School Counseling Website:

https://www.georgiacyber.org/school-life/counseling

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.

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

The GCA Counseling & Student Support Services believe:

• Student’s 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